Venice Biennale 2024: Side Shows and National Pavilions Outshine Central Exhibition
Criticism surrounds the 2024 Venice Biennale, overseen by Adriano Pedrosa, particularly regarding its main exhibition 'Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere,' which is perceived as lacking in dynamism and coherence, often eclipsed by national pavilions and side events. Among the noteworthy pavilions are Kosovo (controversial), France (conventional), Poland (avant-garde), and the Vatican (located at Giudecca women's prison). Side exhibitions include Kuborhaum at Combo and environmental initiatives at Ocean Space. Significant private foundations such as Berggruen at Palazzo Diedo and Beatrice Bulgari's Nebula project near the Arsenale are also featured. Public spaces like Gallerie dell'Accademia highlight Willem de Kooning's interactions with Italy. Although there are flaws, the vibrant atmosphere of Venice continues to draw investors, making attendance appealing.
Key facts
- The 2024 Venice Biennale central exhibition curated by Adriano Pedrosa is considered weak and overshadowed by collateral events and national pavilions.
- National pavilions praised include Kosovo (provocative), France (traditional), Poland (experimental), and the Vatican (at Giudecca women's prison).
- Collateral shows include Kuborhaum at Combo, student housing exhibitions, Ocean Space, Berggruen at Palazzo Diedo, Beatrice Bulgari's Nebula project, and Pierre Huyghe at Punta della Dogana.
- Berggruen at Palazzo Diedo features colored Sugimoto works, Urs Fischer installations, Carsten Höller, and Lee Ufan.
- Beatrice Bulgari's Nebula project includes videos by Giorgio Andreotta Calò and Diego Marcon.
- Pierre Huyghe's solo show at Punta della Dogana is noted for precision and immersiveness.
- Gallerie dell'Accademia presents a dialogue between Willem de Kooning and Italy.
- Pedrosa's exhibition features a majority of first-time international artists, many without gallery representation.
- Venice's population is about 50,000, but annual tourist flow could sustain a diffuse museum.
- Article written by Angela Vettese, director of the master's degree in visual arts and fashion at the Department of Culture of the Project.
Entities
Artists
- Adriano Pedrosa
- Hiroshi Sugimoto
- Urs Fischer
- Carsten Höller
- Lee Ufan
- Giorgio Andreotta Calò
- Diego Marcon
- Pierre Huyghe
- Willem de Kooning
- Angela Vettese
Institutions
- Artribune
- Venice Biennale
- Kosovo Pavilion
- France Pavilion
- Poland Pavilion
- Vatican Pavilion
- Combo
- Kuborhaum
- Ocean Space
- Berggruen
- Palazzo Diedo
- In Between Art Film
- Punta della Dogana
- Pinault Collection
- Gallerie dell'Accademia
- Fondazione Prada
- Department of Culture of the Project
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giudecca
- Arsenale
- Palazzo Diedo
- Punta della Dogana