As anticipated in the numerous articles we have devoted to the subject in recent days, anticipation is growing for the Venice Biennale, the world’s oldest and arguably most influential contemporary art exhibition, which returns this spring with its 61st edition in a climate that is anything but relaxed. Amid renewed calls to exclude Israel, controversy over Russia’s participation, the – in many ways sterile – debate over the alleged absence of Italian artists and the case of Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi, who was initially excluded and then reinstated, the approach to the event is marked by tension and controversy. Yet, art history proves it: art does not back down, it responds. Against this politically heated backdrop, Venice once again takes shape as a global stage, capable of welcoming artists from different backgrounds, disciplines and geographies. Alongside established figures and true pillars of the contemporary scene, such as Marina Abramović, a new generation of voices is appearing. Koyo Kouoh’s curatorial direction, as already anticipated, decisively privileges black and indigenous artists and perspectives long considered “peripheral” by the Western gaze. Scheduled from May 9 to Nov. 22, the Biennial thus presents itself as a broad, layered and deeply contemporary panorama. With this in mind, it seems particularly significant to us to dwell on the work of women artists, to offer a different and necessary look. Below is our selection.
Maja Malou Lyse
The Danish Arts Foundation presents Things To Come, a project by Maja Malou Lyse, the youngest artist to represent Denmark at the Biennale. Curated by Chus Martínez, the work addresses the theme of the global decline of male fertility. The exhibition interweaves science, fiction and pornography, reflecting on studies that suggest how virtual sexual stimuli can affect sperm motility. A paradox emerges: contemporary media as a possible toxin but also an antidote.
Jenny Saville
As also described yesterday, Jenny Saville presents the first major exhibition devoted to her work in the city, following the success of the retrospective The Anatomy of Painting at the National Portrait Gallery. While her name is far from new, her presentation is unfailing: On display are large, powerful and carnal canvases, between deformity and sensuality, along with previously unseen works created especially for the occasion.
Nalini Malani
Nalini Malani, 46 Indian artist, brings a monumental installation consisting of 67 animations and soundscapes. Retelling the Greek myth of Orestes, the artist reflects on patriarchal responsibility and violence in contemporary times, offering an intense and immersive experience.
Ásta Fanney Sigurðardóttir
Iceland presents Pocket Universe by Ásta Fanney Sigurðardóttir: artist, poet and composer. The project explores changing perspective through hope and imagination, emphasizing how even in times of instability new possibilities can open up.
Natasha Tontey
The Jupiter Indonesian artist Natasha Tontey proposes for the biennial a large-scale multimedia installation that follows the story of an Indonesian resistance fighter from the 1950s. The Phantom Combatants and the Metabolism of Disobedient Organs investigates body transformation, local symbolism and contemporary military imaginaries in an era marked by surveillance.
Merike Estna
Representing Estonia, Merike Estna transforms the exhibition space into an open studio with The House of Leaking Sky. The audience witnesses the birth of the works in a continuous dialogue between painting, performance and reality.
Margaret Whyte
Arist Margaret Whyte represents Uruguay with ANTIFRAGIL. The work explores the idea that systems and individuals can strengthen themselves through instability and disorder: here, textiles and obsolete technologies combine, creating tensions that reflect on the relationship between art and philosophy.
Jenna Sutela
For Finland, Jenna Sutela presents Aeolian Suite, curated by Stefanie Hessler. A multi-sensory environment using meteorological data, musical instruments and air currents from different cities to explore atmospheric unpredictability. An interesting and unconventional key through which to read the environment.
Miet Warlop
Finally, I am very intrigued by the work of Miet Warlop, who will represent Belgium. A visual artist, performer and theater director, she is known for a strongly interdisciplinary style, in a practice that combines sculpture, live music and choreography, resulting in surreal and visually intense scenarios, populated by eccentric costumes and real “living objects.” Central to his work is a ritual dimension, in which the body, physical endurance and collective action become tools for investigating emotional and social tensions. His works often develop through a balance between chaos and control, where processes of creation and destruction coexist simultaneously: what takes shape onstage can crumble shortly thereafter, becoming an integral part of the narrative.
[📷 Instagram: merikeestna]
