This article originally appeared in the November 2018 issue of Dream of Italy. Find the main What’s New in 2019 article here.
The 58th International Art Exhibition at the Biennale di Venezia will take place from May 11 to November 24, 2019, at the Central Pavillion (called Giardini) and the Arsenale, as well as other venues around Venice. The title of the 2019 exhibition is “May You Live in Interesting Times.”
Ralph Rugoff, the curator of the 2019 exhibition, says “May You Live in Interesting Times will aim to welcome its public to an expansive experience of the deep involvement, absorption and creative learning that art makes possible,’’ and calls the interactions between visitors and exhibits around the city ‘’playful.’’
Venice is a destination unto itself no matter what the year is but it is most magical during a Biennale unlike any other city in the world and feels magical even on the most ordinary of days. You can only imagine, then, how special the mood is when Venice houses art shows in multiple locations dotted around the city. The Giardini and the Arsenale are both magnificent spaces in which to reflect on the exhibits.
The 58th edition of the Biennale will have work from about 50 participants from different countries. The Padiglione Italia, one of the exhibition spaces, will highlight Italian artists Enrico David, Chiara Fumai and Liliana Moro. According to the press release for the event, this exhibit will emphasize themes such as daily life, survival, tradition and narration through the eyes of these three Italian artists.
Other events of the Biennale are yet to be announced, but it is sure to be a thought-provoking experience for visitors to Venice and Venetians alike, as all the previous years have been. The Biennale of Venezia is set apart by the fact that visitors interact with the spaces and the city in a way visitors to a closed museum space do not. Admission (can be used on multiple days) is 25€.
For more information, visit www.labiennale.org
Photo by Andrea Avezzù courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia