THE MILK OF DREAMS: VENICE BIENNALE 2022 KICKS OFF ON APRIL 23RD
With over 213 artists from 58 countries, including 180 first-time participants, the International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia makes historical firsts at this year’s event. Committed to “carbon neutrality” in all of the La Biennale’s scheduled activities, this year’s event will incorporate new practices with a commitment to sustainability. Attendees can experience a re-imagination of what it means to be human in these challenging and changing times.
Curated by Italian curator Cecilia Alemani, this year’s art exhibition takes its inspiration from The Milk of Dreams book by Leonora Carrington. The book’s surrealistic inspiration becomes the architecture in which participants explore what it means to be human and the human body, the connection between the individual and technology, and between bodies and the Earth. Curated over multiple conversations over the past two years, Alemani created new opportunities for this year’s exhibit: ‘For the first time in its 127- year history, the Biennale will include a majority of women and gender non-conforming artists, a choice that reflects an international art scene full of creative ferment and a deliberate rethinking of man’s centrality in the history of art and contemporary culture.’
Another historical first is the commission of Simone Leigh, known for her towering sculptural work, as the first Black woman commissioned for a solo presentation at the US Pavilion. The Republic of Cameroon, Namibia, Nepal, Sultanate of Oman, and Uganda are participating for the first time according to the press release. The creation of the first College Arte in the Biennale’s history is established by Alemani, bestowing opportunities for the next generation of artists.
Opening on April 23 and running through November 27 this year starts with the awards ceremony presentation of the Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement to German artist Katharina Fritsch and Chilean artist Cecilia Vicuña. Pre-opening dates are April 20, 21, and 22. The Presentation of the Theatre, Dance, and Music Program will take place via Livestream on April 7th. Specially-priced subscriptions and tickets are already on sale for performances of the Lion awardees of Dance Music and Theatre. La Biennale di Venezia 2022 is just one more reason to make that trip to Venice a reality this year.
Jennie Olson Six
Cultural Italy Staff Writer
For further exploration:
Simone Leigh Commission sponsored by the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston TRAILER
Simon Leigh Profile by the Guggenheim here: youtube/42NGGIU0HnA
The National Pavilions Artists and Curators: www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/03/02/all-the-venice-biennale-2022-national-pavilions-and-artists
Start planning your trip to Italy!
