Venice Art Biennale

The Venice Biennale, established in 1895, is a renowned cultural institution that has grown into a global platform for contemporary art, architecture, cinema, dance, music, and theater. Initially conceived as a World Fair focused on contemporary art, the Biennale has evolved over time to include pavilions dedicated to national representations, fostering dialogue and collaboration among nations.

The Venice Art Biennale, a significant component of the institution, has been a cornerstone of the contemporary art world since its inception. It sets trends in contemporary art and features not only artists of the 21st century but also those from previous eras. The exhibition, held biennially, takes place at two main locations in Venice: Giardini and Arsenale, which host pavilions for participating countries and international shows.

The Biennale's curators and artists engage with timeless themes and questions, such as the changing definition of a human being, the differentiation between humans and non-humans, responsibilities towards the planet and other forms of life, and the hypothetical absence of humans. These themes are explored through the curator's conversations with artists and are presented in a trans-historical context, incorporating elements from Surrealism, Dadaism, and Futurism.

The National Pavilions also reflect the main theme of the Biennale, with each pavilion curated by its own appointed team. Highlights from past Biennales include the Hungarian pavilion and the United States pavilion, which featured Simone Leigh, the first Black female artist to exhibit in the pavilion. Her works, titled "Sovereignty," consist of monumental sculptures that reimagine the paths and lives of Black women.

The Venice Biennale has been a pioneer in showcasing the works of women artists. For instance, Cecilia Alemani, the first Italian woman Artistic Director of the Venice Art Biennale, has ensured that women represent over 80% of the exhibited artists in her exhibition, "The Milk of Dreams." This theme is inspired by Leonora Carrington's children's fairytale book, which speaks of hybrid beings with the power of transformation and change.