THE 52ND VENICE BIENNALE

What is it?

A kind of world’s fair of contemporary art, presenting over 800 artists from 77 countries. It spreads a cross thirty national pavilions in the Giardini di Castello, as well as the spectacular Arsenale (above), Venice ’s Renaissance naval works. Countries without national pavilions show their art in palaces and historic venues around town.

How long has it been going on?

It was sounded in 1895 to celebrate the silver anniversary of King Umberto and Queen Margarita of Savoy with a show of international art to ‘represent the most noble activities of the modern spirit’

How is it funded?

A foundation since January 2004, 30 per cent of the Biennale is publicly funded, 30 per cent from sponsorship and around 40 per cent from its own earning.

Why is it important ?

Although haphazard in quality, its long pedigree and spectacular setting means the Venice Biennale is still a by-word for the best in new art.

What are its good points?

Location, location , location. The stones of Venice provide a sympathetic setting for avant-garde art.

How long does it take?

Minimum three days: one for the Giardini, one for the Arsenale and at least one to track down some of the side events.

Who’s in charge?

Each country organizes its own national pavilion, but the curator of the international exhibition, which showcases 100 artists in the Aresnale, is Robert Storr, the cerebral Dean of the Yale school of Art and the Biennale’s first American Director.

Who are the Indian artists participating.

Subodh Gupta

Riaz Komu

    Designated March by a 'Petro Angel, Oil on Canvas ,180 x 180 cm          (Sakshi Art Gallery)                 

Nalini Malani
                 
  Talking About Akka, Reverse painting on acrylic Tryptich,185 x 300 cm          (Sakshi Art Gallery)

A few other high Lights .

Cheri Samba
 
  Apres le 11 septembre, Acrylic          Probleme d'eau, Acrylic 
  on canvas, 200 x 350cm.                   on canvas 135 x 200cm

Leon Ferrari
      
  La civilization accidental                Huesos, Polyurethane
  y cristiana,  Oil on Plaster             bones and wire, 165 x 80 x
  and plastic, 200 x 120 x 50cm.      70cm.

Gireard Richter
          
  Cage(1), Oil on canvas,290 x 290cm             Cage(2), Oil on canvas 300 x 300 cm              

When to go?

Autumn, to avoid the summer heat and chaos.

Do Wear comfortable shoes.

In a word Glamour.