Venice Biennale 1988 Returns to Traditional Museum-Style Format Under Giovanni Carandene

The 43rd Venice Biennale in 1988 represents a significant departure from recent editions, abandoning the thematic exhibitions that had defined the previous six biennales. Under the direction of Giovanni Carandene, this edition deliberately returns to the more traditional approach of earlier biennales, emphasizing a museum-quality character. Carandene specifically aimed to create an exhibition with a museum-like atmosphere, moving away from the conceptual frameworks that had become standard. This shift marks a conscious effort to reconnect with the biennale's historical roots rather than continuing the thematic model that had dominated since the early 1980s. The 1988 edition stands as a deliberate pivot in the institution's evolution, prioritizing curatorial quality over thematic unity. Venice serves as the host city for this international art exhibition, which has been running since 1895. The biennale's return to traditional exhibition formats represents a notable moment in its century-long history. Carandene's leadership directly shaped this edition's distinctive character and approach.