Travel
Originally published on Thursday, 30th May 2013
VENICE BIENNALE 2013
As much a part of Venetian culture as gondolas and outlandish palaces, the Venice Biennale, now in its 55th year, has once again touched down in the City of Canals with a flurry of art spectacles, installations and, of course, the soirées and parties to accompany them. This year, opening week party highlights include Swatch’s grand affair at the Venice Yacht Club (with music from Mika and Friendly Fires), Bungalow 8’s invite-only pop up (these guys get around!), Absolut’s Art Bureau Award evening (the shortlist for their prestigious award will be announced), arts charity EMDASH’s event in the 17th century Palazzo Barbaro, as well as events from Prada, Trussardi and many more.
With every country in the world having chosen an artist to represent it at possibly the industry’s most important event, wow-factor is clearly key when it comes to shows. Denmark has opted to take over the tiny Art Deco Venice-Lido airport with boats ferrying guests across the lagoon, while the USA Pavilion will be hosting guests at the historic Peggy Guggenheim museum on the Grand Canal.
It’s set to be quite the party for the next couple of days. Here to help you out is our list of what’s worth seeing.
Peckham Palazzo
The coolest spot in the Venetian lagoon, a series of one-off events and performances coupled with good drink, food and music are taking place in this converted warehouse pop-up space in Castello every night.
http://theartstack.com/tag/PalazzoPeckham
Canadian Pavilion
Artist Shary Boyle has collaborated with musicians Feist and Peaches, among others, to create an interesting space in the heart of the Biennale Giardini site.
http://www.gallery.ca/venice/
New Zealand at Venice
This year, our Antipodean friends have invited Bill Culbert to create a light installation at the Istituto Santa Maria della Pietá. Culbert’s work was also exhibited at this year’s Light Show at the Hayward.
http://www.nzatvenice.com/
Museum of Everything
The eccentric travelling museum is popping its head up in Venice with a festive response to the Biennale on Thursday (May 30th) evening.
http://www.museumofeverything.com/
Wales in Venice
A rather interesting take on the Biennale, artist Bedwyr Williams is creating a space observatory-esque piece called “The Starry Messenger” at Ludoteca Santa Maria Ausiliatrice.
http://www.artscouncilofwales.org/arts-in-wales/venice
