In the news
- The Venice Biennale, revered as “the Olympics of the art world,” is set to unveil its 60th edition on April 20.
- Under the theme “Stranieri Ovunque” or “Foreigners Everywhere,” curated by Adriano Pedrosa, the exhibition will feature 333 artists from around the world.
What is the Venice Biennale?
- Inception: Proposed by Venice’s city government in 1893, the Biennale aimed to commemorate the silver jubilee of King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Italy.
- Early Exhibitions: The inaugural exhibition in 1895 attracted over two lakh visitors, showcasing works by foreign and Italian artists without specific thematic constraints.
Structure of the Venice Biennale
- Central Pavilion: Serving as the focal point, the central pavilion hosts the main exhibition curated by the appointed curator, highlighting selected artworks.
- National Pavilions: Representing individual countries, these pavilions feature curated exhibitions managed by respective ministries of culture, with India having participated officially since 1954.
- Collateral Events: Independent exhibitions and events across Venice complement the Biennale, enriching the cultural landscape.
India’s Journey at the Venice Biennale
- Debut in 1954: India made its inaugural appearance with an exhibition organized by the Embassy of India in Rome, featuring eminent artists like M F Husain and Amrita Sher-Gil.
- Subsequent Engagements: Indian artists have participated in various editions, with official pavilions organized in 2011 and 2019, showcasing diverse artistic expressions.
- Continued Representation: In 2024, Indian artists will feature prominently in the central exhibition, alongside the Aravani Art Project, symbolizing India’s enduring presence on the global art stage.
