The Venice Biennale and its 60th edition

The world’s most prestigious art event, the Venice Biennale, has returned for its 60th edition, promising a vibrant and thought-provoking exploration of contemporary art. Running from April 20 to November 24, 2024, this year’s exhibition is curated by Adriano Pedrosa under the theme “Foreigners Everywhere.” The title itself sets the tone for a profound reflection on themes of migration, identity, and belonging—issues that resonate deeply in today’s world.

Pedrosa, the first Latin American curator in the Biennale’s history, brings an innovative perspective to this monumental event. Known for his ability to navigate complex narratives, he has crafted an exhibition that amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and outsider perspectives. From vibrant installations to intimate video pieces, the Biennale feels more relevant than ever, holding up a mirror to global cultural dynamics.

“In a world where borders are more contested than ever, the Biennale becomes a space for questioning what it means to belong, or not belong,” Pedrosa remarked during the opening.

Photo by Rui Alves. The beautiful “arm sculpture” in Arsenale di Venezia, Arsenale, Venezia, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy. Published on Unsplash on November 3, 2022.

The 2024 edition features 88 national pavilions, with each country offering its own interpretation of the overarching theme. Here are some of the standout contributions:

• Australian Pavilion: Archie Moore’s deeply personal installation earned the Golden Lion for Best National Participation. His works, which weave narratives of colonialism, displacement, and identity, left audiences in quiet contemplation.
• Mataaho Collective: Winning the Golden Lion for Best Artist, this group from New Zealand presented works that fused indigenous heritage with contemporary themes, creating an emotional and visual tour de force.
• Karimah Ashadu: This rising talent from Nigeria received the Silver Lion for Promising Young Artist. Her video installations, exploring labor and resilience, pushed the boundaries of the medium.

The Biennale also included several collateral events and independent exhibitions scattered throughout Venice, adding to the city’s already magnetic pull on the art world.

One of the most striking aspects of this year’s Biennale is its human-centered approach. The theme “Foreigners Everywhere” was inspired by an artwork by the Milan-based group Claire Fontaine, which uses the phrase as a powerful statement about the alienation felt by migrants and marginalized communities. The exhibition doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths but embraces them, challenging audiences to rethink cultural hierarchies and narratives.

Pedrosa’s inclusive curatorial lens is evident not just in the artworks but also in the selection of artists themselves, many of whom hail from regions and communities often underrepresented in global art forums.

The 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Press Office – La Biennale di Venezia.

As always, Venice itself is a star of the Biennale. The Arsenale and Giardini host the main exhibitions, but the art spills into every corner of the city, from historic palazzos to hidden courtyards. Visitors are invited to wander, discovering unexpected installations and performances along the way.

For many, the Biennale is not just an art event but a pilgrimage. It’s where the pulse of contemporary art is measured, where boundaries are tested, and where global conversations begin.

The 60th Venice Biennale feels like a watershed moment. In a time of increasing division, it reminds us of art’s power to bridge gaps and provoke dialogue. As visitors navigate the labyrinthine streets of Venice, they are not just encountering art but being immersed in a tapestry of stories that reflect the complexities of our world.

The Biennale continues to be a testament to the enduring relevance of art in society. In 2024, it does so with a boldness and humanity that feels both urgent and timeless.