ART AS A MIRROR OF TIME
Since the doors of this year's Biennale opened in late April, Venice has been more frequented by art lovers from all over the world than ever. At the opening, we at AVIAIR mingled with the visitors of the lagoon city – and had an incredible encounter with Bernar Venet. In the majestic setting of the Salone Sansoviniano, the world-renowned artist presented an impressive retrospective of his works from the 1960s. His sculptures and installations deeply moved us – read more about the artist in this issue. Venet, known for his minimalist and conceptual art, continuously pushes the boundaries of the art world and captivates audiences – a truly successful start to the high-caliber Venetian art show.
A GLANCE INTO HISTORY
The Venice Biennale, founded in 1895, is the oldest and one of the most significant international exhibitions of contemporary art. Every two years, it transforms Venice into a vibrant center of the art world. The monumental and diverse exhibition has evolved over the decades and now also includes festivals for music, film, theater, dance, and architecture. With over 300 artists from 88 countries, the 2024 Biennale is a true highlight in the art calendar.
The main exhibition venues are the Giardini della Biennale in the Castello district and the Arsenale, where countries present their art in national pavilions and curated thematic exhibitions. This unique blend of historical and modern elements makes the Biennale a fascinating experience for art lovers from all over the world.
GERMAN PAVILION: ERSAN MONDTAG AND YAEL BARTANA AND THE COLLECTIVE MEMORY
In the German Pavilion, visitors encounter a poignant installation by Ersan Mondtag and a sci-fi utopia by Yael Bartana. Mondtag's work "Monument of an Unknown Person" tells the touching story of his grandfather, a Turkish guest worker who died from toxic dust in a factory. Bartana's "Light to the Nations" envisions a better world for the Jewish people. Both works offer deep reflections on migration, identity, and collective memory, moving and engaging visitors with significant historical and contemporary themes.
US PAVILION: JEFFREY GIBSON - FINDING IDENTITY IN A RIOT OF COLORS
The American Pavilion showcases the vibrant and powerful works of Jeffrey Gibson. Under the title "The Space in Which to Place Me," Gibson's sculptures, paintings, and video works blend American, indigenous, and queer history into a dynamic and multilayered narrative. The colorful presentation creates an inspiring atmosphere, offering a compelling exploration of identity and cultural belonging, making it a highlight of the Biennale.
UKRAINIAN PAVILION: ART IN THE CONTEXT OF WAR
Ukrainian art is strongly represented at this year's Biennale, addressing the global diaspora of Ukrainians and their fight for unity and support for their homeland. These artistic projects challenge stereotypes and provide a moving insight into the current situation in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Pavilion hosts projects from several artists, collectively reminding of the ongoing conflicts and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. The group exhibition "Net Making," curated by Viktoria Bavykina and Max Gorbatskyi, uses the collective weaving of camouflage nets as a metaphor for the grassroots efforts uniting Ukrainians. This process symbolizes not only military support but also a communal action benefiting both participants and the nation, representing a bottom-up decision.
POLISH PAVILION: WAR KARAOKE BY THE OPEN GROUP
The Polish Pavilion impresses this year with a powerful video installation by the Ukrainian collective "Open Group." This installation features videos of refugees from eastern Ukraine imitating war sounds like sirens and bombs with their voices. Visitors are invited to mimic these sounds, creating an immersive "war karaoke" experience that deeply resonates, evoking the acoustic reality of war. The haunting reflection on the atrocities of war and the burdens faced by those affected leaves a lasting impact.
AUSTRALIAN PAVILION: ARCHIE MOORE - LIFE IS RESPONSIBILITY
The Australian Pavilion captivated us with First Nations artist Archie Moore, who received the Golden Lion for his work "kith and kin." Moore created a monumental ancestral chart of Australia's First Nations, encompassing 65,000 years of history. This installation stands out for its powerful aesthetics and profound message about the interconnectedness of all beings and humanity's responsibility for the future. The jury praised Moore's work for its strong visual and emotional impact and its deep engagement with the history and culture of the First Nations.
ISRAELI PAVILION: RUTH PATIR - BOYCOTT AND PROTEST
The Israeli Pavilion remains closed in protest against the Gaza war. Artist Ruth Patir and the curators decided to open the pavilion only when a ceasefire is reached, and hostages are released. Despite the closure, the pavilion stands as a strong political statement and a symbol of protest against the war. This decision has sparked intense discussions and pro-Palestinian demonstrations, accompanied by stringent security measures.
The Venice Biennale 2024 once again demonstrates how art can mirror societal and political realities. This year's motto, "Foreigners Everywhere," addresses themes of foreignness and belonging, highlighting marginalization in all its forms. This thematic focus underscores the importance of art as a medium for reflecting and discussing global challenges. Thus, art not only holds aesthetic value but also plays a crucial role in engaging with social and political issues.
