The Biennale

I spent two great days at the Biennale exhibition in Venice starting with the displays in the gardens on day one and moving on the Arsenale the next day. The theme of the event was “Thin with the senses: feel with the mind”’.

It was great to see so much cutting edge modern art in a relaxed atmosphere. There was so much it was as if exhibit said “take me or leave me. If you like me great if you don’t oh well.”

I felt the whole thing was rather over burdened by the theme of war although at times this produced great works such as Emily Prince’s wall of drawings of US soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan arranged in the shape of the US flag. This felt like the Vietnam memorial in Washington. One wonders if she continues to draw as more die.

Jason Rhoades neon installation provided a welcome wake up for the eyes half way round the Arsenale. I loved the Morrinho Project’s recreation of townscape in the gardens complete with lego block people.

Jose Alejandro Restrepo’s Veronica, projections on a sheet of material of the lost in South America widening out into a medieval representation of the Veronica was very moving.

Christine Hill’s trunks were an insight into lives via a person’s possessions and clothes. Y.A. Kami’s portraits were a welcome addition of good old fashioned art and Tabaimo’s animated doll’s house was transfixing.

I was not greatly taken by the British Pavilion and the Tracey Emins but must admit to buying the bag!

All in all an enlightened and mind refreshing two days.

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