Venice Biennale 2019: Highlights from the world's most prestigious art show
We help you choose what to see at the show or online, if you can’t be there
Image: Getty Images / Simone Padovani / Awakening
In its 58th iteration, the world’s most prestigious art show seems, by all accounts, to continue to function as the best barometer of what’s bothering the global mind. This is evidenced by the large amount of artworks on display this year dealing with issues such as climate change, race relations and the terrors of Donald Trump.
If you’re in the city during the Venice Biennale’s run, which ends on November 24 this year, it’s often a challenge to decide what to see among the thousands of artworks but early awards and reviews might help make this easier.
The main exhibition, which represents the work of 80 artists from around the world, is curated by London’s Hayward Gallery curator Ralph Rugoff under the title “May you Live in Interesting Times”. It features work by South African artists Zanele Muholi and Kemang wa Lehulere.
Image: Getty Images / Simone Padovani / Awakening
Image: Getty Images / Simone Padovani / Awakening
The South African Pavilion, curated by Nkule Mabaso and Nomusa Makhubu under the title “The Stronger we Become”, features the work of Tracey Rose, Dineo Seshee Bopape and Mawande ka Zenzile.
Ghana’s first pavilion at the biennale has been commended for its strong showing of the work of painter Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, filmmaker John Akomfrah, sculptor El Anatsui and portraits from the 1960s by the country’s first female professional photographer Felicia Abban.
Image: Getty Images / Luca Zanon / Awakening
Image: Getty Images / Simone Padovani / Awakening