New Work, Venezia Biennale 2024
Summertime in Venice, Italy, is a mixture of beauty and bustle. The city, with its iconic canals, historic architecture, and narrow streets, becomes an incredibly popular destination. The influx of tourists means that nearly every major landmark, from St. Mark's Square to the Rialto Bridge, is crowded. Gondolas weave through busy waterways, sometimes in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and you'll hear a constant hum of different languages from the throngs of visitors. The narrow alleys can feel packed, especially near popular sites, and the heat of summer—combined with the lack of greenery—can make the air feel stifling. Cafes and restaurants fill quickly, and prices in tourist hotspots can spike. Despite the crowds, there are quieter moments if you venture off the beaten path, into less-visited neighborhoods like Cannaregio or Castello. The canals shimmer under the bright sun, and at sunset, Venice glows in golden hues, offering breathtaking views over the Grand Canal. The beauty of Venice is still undeniable, but in the summer, it’s a city full of life, noise, and motion, with every corner brimming with people and activity.The Venice Biennale 2024, themed *"Foreigners Everywhere (Stranieri Ovunque)"*, presents a compelling exploration of identity, migration, and belonging, curated by Adriano Pedrosa. The exhibition examines the idea of being an outsider and highlights the experiences of marginalized communities through both historical and contemporary lenses. The theme is visualized in large installations, including neon sculptures that display the phrase "Foreigners Everywhere" in over 50 languages, symbolizing the universality of foreignness. Visitors can expect a diverse mix of artistic perspectives, from queer and indigenous artists to self-taught and outsider creators. The event spans several key locations across Venice, including the Giardini and Arsenale, and showcases both new commissions and global modernist works. Many national pavilions, such as Germany, Switzerland, and Lebanon, reflect on socio-political issues, while first-time participants like the Republic of Benin and Ethiopia add fresh voices to the Biennale’s international dialogue. The Vatican's pavilion is especially unique, set in a women's prison on the island of Giudecca, offering a powerful and emotional experience through art created in collaboration with inmates. Meanwhile, standout installations like the Nigerian Pavilion’s *"Nigeria Imaginary"* present reflections on the country’s cultural past and potential future. The event also offers a range of educational programs, including workshops and guided tours, making it accessible to both seasoned art lovers and curious visitors