The Venice Biennale is back with its 58th edition; 79 artists will gather on May 11th and through November 24th to cover the Italian city with art.
“May you live in interesting times” is the name that the cultural showing is getting this year, which makes reference to a supposed Chinese curse. “Interesting times” refer to those of uncertainty and crisis, which is where humanity is right now. In addition, this year the Biennale will revolve around the “post-truth” era, which will be joined by reflections about “alternative facts” on behalf of the guest artists.
The 58th International Art Exhibition will have no theme as such; instead, it will highlight a general approach of the artistic creation and a vision of art’s social role, both for pleasure and for critical thinking. Artists who work in this way offer alternatives to the meaning of the so-called ‘facts’, suggesting different ways of connecting and contextualizing them. –Ralph Rugoff, curator of the Biennale
2019 will overflow with painting, video/cinema, special and digital works. The showing will be divided in two: the first part will be established at the Arsenale and the second one at the Giardini Central Pavilion, both will be showing works by all the artists.
Jimmie Durham was selected to receive the Golden Lion, acknowledgment given to him for his artistic career and it will be presented during the opening event on May 11th. The exhibition will open its doors to the public at 10 am on the same day.
I have nominated Jimmie Durham for the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement of the 58th International Art Exhibition based on his remarkable achievements as an artist for the past six decades, and especially for creating works which are critic, humorous, and deeply human at once. –Ralph Rugoff
Before the opening, the Biennale presents a pre-program, which will be inaugurated on Wednesday, May 8th and will end on Friday, the 10th. Lectures, tours, and exhibitions will be open to be enjoyed during these three days as a warm up before the art season begins.
* COVER PHOTO: Xavier Veilhan [solo-exhibition] in the French Pavilion, the 57th International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, May 13 - November 26, 2017.