Venice Biennale begins

The 52nd Venice Biennale exhibition of contemporary art runs from 10 June to 21 November and is curated by American art critic and painter Robert Storr, the first US director in the Biennale’s history. Storr has given the exhibition the title “Pensa con i sensi 　 senta con la mente. L’arte al presente”. Works by artists from 77 countries are presented in a series of permanent national pavilions in Venice’s Giardini as well as exhibition spaces in the Corderie and Artiglierie of the Arsenale and throughout the historic centre. The British pavilion will host an exhibition by Tracey Emin entitled “Borrowed Light”.

　　In addition to the main exhibition are 34 so-called “collateral events” showcasing less well-known artists, this year including works by Welsh artists in “And so it goes: Artists from Wales” at the ex-Birerria Giudecca and works by Scottish artists in “Scotland and Venice 2007” at Palazzo Zenobio. An exhibition of works by Rom artists entitled “Paradiso Perduto 　 Il Primo Padiglione Rom” goes on show at Palazzo Pisani Santa Marina. Exhibitions that are not formally part of the Biennale also mushroom around the city, with homes, offices, churches and courtyards morphing into temporary art spaces.

　　Under the Venice Biennale umbrella, this year the city will also host international festivals of contemporary dance (14-30 June), theatre (18-29 July), film 　 in the form of the annual Venice Film Festival 　 (28 August-8 September), and contemporary music (4-13 October).