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Semyon Mikhailovsky Curates Russian Pavilion at 2017 Venice Biennale with Theatrum Orbis Exhibition

exhibition · 2026-04-20

From May 13 to November 26, 2017, Semyon Mikhailovsky will oversee the Russian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, showcasing an exhibition titled Theatrum Orbis. This display includes works by Grisha Bruskin, Recycle Group, and Sasha Pirogova, as well as contemporary Russian composers. Situated in the Giardini, the pavilion, designed by Alexei Shchusev, features a blend of sculpture, installation, video, and sound. The exhibition's name draws inspiration from Abraham Ortelius's atlas from 1570. Mikhailovsky cherishes visitor feedback and artistic individuality, reminiscing about his initial visit to Venice over two decades ago. He appreciates Palazzo Fortuny and Fondazione Prada, maintains amicable ties with nearby pavilions, and critiques the Biennale's focus on political correctness over artistic quality, reflecting on the Russian Revolution's centenary.

Key facts

  • Semyon Mikhailovsky curates the Russian Pavilion at the 2017 Venice Biennale
  • The Biennale runs from 13 May to 26 November
  • Exhibition titled Theatrum Orbis includes Grisha Bruskin, Recycle Group, and Sasha Pirogova
  • Pavilion designed by Alexei Shchusev before the First World War
  • Title references Abraham Ortelius's 1570 atlas Theatrum Orbis Terrerum
  • Mikhailovsky's first Venice visit was over twenty years ago for a utopian projects exhibition
  • Budgets have increased ten to fifteen times since his earlier exhibition
  • Mikhailovsky enjoys visiting Palazzo Fortuny and Fondazione Prada

Entities

Artists

  • Semyon Mikhailovsky
  • Grisha Bruskin
  • Recycle Group
  • Sasha Pirogova
  • Alexei Shchusev
  • Abraham Ortelius
  • Yuri Avvakumov
  • Caravaggio
  • Bernini

Institutions

  • ArtReview
  • Venice Biennale
  • Russian Pavilion
  • Palazzo Fortuny
  • Fondazione Prada
  • Scuola Grande di San Rocco
  • Santa Maria dei Miracoli
  • Santa Maria Formosa
  • Santo Stefano

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Giardini
  • Antwerp
  • Belgium
  • Moscow
  • Russia
  • Japan
  • Angola
  • Bahrain

Sources