Massimiliano Gioni is coming home. The native Italian-born art critic and curator has returned to Venice, Italy, only a short 3 hours from his hometown of Busto Arsizio in the Lombardy region east of Italy to curate the 2013 La Biennale di Venezia art show. No stranger to Venice or this exhibition, Gioni has been involved in the Biennale di Venezia in multiple capacities since 2003.
Massimiliano Gioni, Curator – 2013 La Biennale di Venezia
He has become an icon of sorts in both the Italian and international art world demonstrated recently by the small bow and recognition of his speaking ability and eloquence he received from Golden Lion award winner for Best Artist International Exhibit, Tino Sehgal, at the opening awards ceremony for the show. Gioni holds dual positions as the Associate Director of Exhibitions at New York’s New Museum of Contemporary Art and Director of the Nicola Trussardi Foundation in Milan. He was selected to curate due to his skill and artistic expertise which is comprehensively demonstrated in the configuration and creativity of this year’s show.
The show’s title, Encyclopedia Palace, is named after an Italian American artist who, in the 1950’s, developed and attempted to patent the conceptual idea of a knowledge warehouse of sorts – a museum housing world knowledge and ideas in one central location. The show attempts to do that very thing – bring diverse art pieces from artists worldwide, including 10 new countries who are participating in the Biennale for the first time.
The diversity of the exhibits is evident upon entry into each venue, however, there is a clear common thread with the pieces – Imagination. Giono has been quoted in years past as saying “I believe that one should admire all that which is obscure, that is lacking a specific direction, that seems useless, that is complicated beyond any reasonable level of comprehension.” The Biennale achieves this obscurity through pavilions filled with exhibits consisting of piles of sand, concrete, wood, and cement high to the ceiling designed to make the observer think about city development and all that goes into it. Living works of art, literally “living” people roaming about in costumes ranging from a dress spanning approximately 8 feet, shaped much like a fan, to a man in a Speedo with a toilet seat around his neck. When abstract becomes too much and it is time to give the imagination a rest, hundreds of contemporary but material objects in the form of painting, sculpture, and media can be enjoyed.
Ai Weiwei, Bang Installation, German Pavilion, Venice Biennale
Unlike many shows which run for 3-4 days, this show runs from 1st June – 24th November at the Giardini. The works are displayed within five venues around the area giving attendees the opportunity not only to enjoy the pieces themselves but also the diverse buildings and gardens which have rich histories of their own. General tickets range from 25-30 euros but discounts are given for many groups including students and attendees over 65.
St Marks Basilica, Venice Italy
Key Facts
- The fair showcases the work of 156 artists from 88 countries worldwide and include abstract, contemporary, and historical pieces.
- Over 500,000 attendees are expected.
- Guided tours and workshops for attendees of all ages are available under the Biennale Education program.
Why Venice Biennale
- Location, location, location. Just a short vaporetto (water ferry) ride from the famous St. Mark’s square, the event is held in one of the most beautiful and fascinating locations in Europe.
- The weather in Venice is mild year round with summer averages at a comfortable 23 degrees.
- As one of the oldest and most cultured art events in the world, Klimt and Picasso are counted among prior year exhibitors.
- The inspired work of Gioni and his capable team knows no boundaries. This is not a traditional art fair – art spills out the door and roams the grounds. Look for it everywhere.
Be Aware Of
- Crowds. As a top tourist destination even without the fair, Venice will be, in a word, packed. Consider visiting the exhibit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the masses.
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