The Venice Biennale: Renowned as the 'Art World's Olympics'

Every two years since 1895, Venice, Italy, has been home to a seven-month-long international art showcase. Known as the Venice Biennale (pronounced 'Bee-a-nah-lay'), this event transcends a typical art exhibition, offering a global stage for groundbreaking artistic expression.

'The Biennale sets artistic trends and has the power to transform careers or reshape global perspectives on contemporary art,' says Miranda Kyle, arts and culture program manager for the Atlanta BeltLine.

Such influence is undeniably significant, supported by a 127-year legacy with minimal interruptions. The Venice Biennale was canceled during World Wars I and II in 1916, 1918, 1944, and 1946. In 2021, the event was delayed until 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The only other interruption occurred in 1974 when, in solidarity with Chile, no full exhibition was held. (Italian communists on the Biennale committee supported Chileans after a coup brought dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet to power).

The first Biennale launched on April 30, 1895, celebrating the silver wedding anniversary of Italy's King Umberto I and Queen Margherita di Savoia. Venice aimed to create a biennial event, and focusing on art was a natural choice, given the city's reputation for exhibitions. The inaugural event showcased 516 artworks — 188 by Italian artists and the remainder from 14 other nations. It was a resounding success, attracting over 224,000 visitors, proving that a global art exhibition in Venice could become a major tourist attraction.

The Biennale stands out for its expansive scope, comprising several key components:

Who Curates the Biennale?

A single artistic director oversees the curation of the Biennale, determining the exhibition's theme. For the 59th edition in 2022, running from April 23 to November 27, Cecilia Alemani, director and chief curator of New York City's High Line Art, took the helm. Alemani is the first Italian woman to hold this prestigious role, a fact Kyle describes as "kind of a bonus."

"Cecilia's brilliance is undeniable," Kyle remarks. "She possesses an extraordinary perspective on contemporary art, often spotlighting groundbreaking works before they gain wider recognition. Her multilingual abilities and deep immersion in global art movements make her exceptionally qualified. Her expertise in public art allows her to craft transitional spaces that enhance how visitors engage with the city."

Alemani drew inspiration from the children's book "The Milk of Dreams" ("Il Latte dei Sogni" in Italian) by surrealist painter Leonora Carrington, adopting it as the exhibition's theme. As reported by The New York Times, the book's tales, artwork, and transformative ideas influenced her vision. She structured the Biennale around three transformative themes: the evolution of bodily representation, the interplay between individuals and technology, and the bond between humanity and Earth. This year, most participating artists are women or non-gender conforming, with over half making their Biennale debut. Five nations — Cameroon, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, and Uganda — are presenting in the national pavilions for the first time.

"I’ll make a bold statement: I believe only someone who has experienced motherhood could have chosen a theme like this," Kyle observes. "Cecilia is undoubtedly drawing from her own journey as a mother, and the concept of motherhood resonates universally within the creative world. Whether it’s birthing a child or nurturing an idea, the process feels like a profound act of transformation."

Kyle believes the recent years have highlighted the importance of growth, care, and mutual support in our lives.

"Whether it’s nurturing ideas, supporting others, or caring for oneself, her exploration of these themes reflects the lessons we’ve learned over the past few years," she adds.

Historically, the Biennale has attracted over half a million visitors throughout its seven-month run. Kyle believes the committee made an excellent decision in appointing Alemani as the first post-pandemic curator.

"This aligns perfectly with Cecilia’s expertise in public art," she explains. "I anticipate a Biennale unlike any other, as she will bring a profound understanding of our shared humanity to the event, especially in how she engages with the city."

But will the crowds return?

"The Frieze Fair in Los Angeles recently saw record attendance," Kyle notes. "I expect the Biennale to be packed. Everyone will want to be there."