La Biennale di Venezia: a journey through contemporary Art and Design
La Biennale di Venezia is one of the most prestigious and longest-running cultural events in the world, attracting art lovers, artists and critics from every corner of the planet. This international event, also known as the Venice International Film Festival, has a history spanning over a century and has left a significant mark on the contemporary art scene. In this article, we will explore the history, curiosities and current aspect of the Venice Biennale, putting the emphasis on both the artistic and the technical and design aspects.
History of the Biennale di Venezia
The Venice Biennale was founded in 1895 as an art exhibition to promote Italian art and culture. Initially, the event focused only on the visual arts, but over the years it has expanded to include other disciplines, such as architecture, film, theater and dance. Its aim was to create a bridge between artists and the public, offering a platform for the exhibition of the most innovative works of the time.
Curiosities about the Biennale di Venezia
One of the most fascinating curiosities of the Venice Biennale is its system of participation and selection. Each country organizes its own national representation and selects the artists to be sent to the Biennale. This feature makes the event a real triumph of different cultures and artistic visions, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a variety of artistic expressions from all over the world.
Another interesting aspect is the awarding of the best artists. The international jury awards prizes such as the Leone d’Oro for the best national participation and the Leone d’Oro for the best artist of the exhibition. These awards are coveted and often earn the winning artists fame and prestige.
The Biennale di Venezia today
Today, the Venice Biennale has grown into a major event with multiple venues and a diverse range of artistic disciplines represented. The exhibitions are hosted in various pavilions, exhibition spaces and theaters throughout the city of Venice. Emerging artists and international celebrities mingle among the works, creating a lively atmosphere of cultural exchange.
Another relevant aspect of the current Venice Biennale is the integration of technologies and design into art. Many contemporary artists use technological innovation as an integral part of their work, creating interactive installations and multimedia works that engage audiences in a whole new way.
The design of the exhibition spaces themselves plays a crucial role in the overall experience of the Biennale. Architects and designers are called upon to create environments that enhance the works of art and offer the public a suggestive setting for appreciating the works on display. The harmony between the art and the design of the spaces is essential to create a coherent and engaging narrative.
In 2021, Manaly curated the Chilean Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, presenting an extraordinary and refined work. The installation consisted of a wooden volume colored electric blue, with a deliberately provisional character, conceived as a sort of “room of wonders”. This space has collected 500 testimonies, transformed into as many paintings, which illustrated moments of daily life in the José Maria Caro neighborhood in Santiago de Chile. This work has demonstrated how it is possible to restore the history of a community through visual art, without the need for many written words.
The Venice Biennale is much more than just an art exhibition; represents a fundamental moment for contemporary art and offers an overview of global creativity. Throughout its long history, it has been able to adapt and embrace new art forms and new technologies, remaining one of the most influential and respected cultural manifestations in the world.
