Un Ospite di Venezia n-7 luglio 2023

JULY WITH THE REDEEMER, THE BIENNALE AND ART EXHIBITIONS
If the great concerts in Saint Mark’s Square shall not fail to attract a select audience of fans, an
equal amount of attention will go this month to certain events which are alone worth a visit to town.
Moreover, for those who love to relax, there is the summer attraction par excellence offered by the
seaside, the Lido beach in this case, famed for its poised elegance and its rather erstwhile charm.
All accompanied by an event which continues a centuries-old tradition, known as the Fête of the Redeemer,
amongst the most heartfelt and awaited events of the year still today. Its core is the Redentore
church, a building overlooking the broad Canal of the Giudecca and the scenic basin of Saint Mark.
This ancient tradition dates back to 1575, when a devastating plague epidemic afflicted the whole
city. Following a vow by the people so it could end, the Senate decided to build a church. The task was
assigned to the most famous architect at the time, Andrea Palladio.
Since the year of its consecration in 1592, this thanksgiving is repeated every third Sunday in July
(and on the prior Saturday), entwining the two ancient values which have always defined it, the Christian
one, characterised by its pilgrimage along a scenic floating-bridge and by a solemn Mass celebrated
by the Patriarch, and the lay aspect, represented by its suggestive fête on water, culminating
in its unparalleled fireworks display.
Speaking of attractions in Venice, it is inevitable to mention the Biennale, a centenary institution
linked to Venice and to the promotion of major cultural events.
Thus, here are two important events during this period. The first is the International Architecture
Exhibition, an exceptional overview featuring contemporary design and experimental endeavours,
with its theme of this year touching the whole world, today more than ever: the relationship between
mankind and the planet.
The laboratory of the future - the title of the central Exhibition - has thus focused its spotlight, and
for the first time, on Africa, inevitably touching on everything regarding and producing its diaspora.
The itinerary, starting from the Central Pavilion at the Giardini, meanders along the suggestive Arsenal
complex, as far as Forte Marghera on the mainland, naturally including national Participations
with individual exhibitions set up within the Pavilions at the Giardini and at the Arsenal, besides the
historic centre in town.
The Architecture Exhibition will be flanked from 13 July (practically until the month ends) by the
International Contemporary Dance Festival, a rendez-vous that shall not fail win over enthusiasts,
but also all those who wish to experience thrills in town and discover alternative points of view.
The programme, divided into five thematic areas, will present a good 7 world premieres, including
3 European ones, and 9 Italian premieres, with leading artists in worldwide dance and innovative
emerging voices.
Finally, the scenario offered by Music flanking the open-air events in the Piazza with the ones promoted
by the Fenice and other city institutions, and Architecture and Dance proposed by the Biennale,
adds to the scenario represented by Art Exhibitions.
In this case too, the opportunities are manifold and varied.
The most recent one is represented by Imago Iustitiae. Masterpieces through the centuries, an
exhibition which has recently opened at the Correr Museum exhibition venues: essentially, an itinerary
on the depiction used over the centuries to represent the theme of Justice, explored throughout
differing facets and historical moments.
Amongst prominent exhibitions, we may also find the exhaustive retrospective on Venetian Twentieth
century artist Edmondo Bacci presented by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection; the Chronorama and
Icons proposed by the Pinault Foundation at its venues in Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana, respectively
on photography from the former Condé Nast archives and on contemporary art. And more.
The Everybody Talks about the Weather exhibition by the Prada Foundation at Ca’ Corner della Regina,
a novel research project on the correlation between visual arts and the weather; the one dedicated
to the potential of the human being, “A world of Potential” at the Old Procuratie; the one on the
work of innovative Japanese architect Kengo Kuma at Palazzo Franchetti; on Bohemian glass and on
photography by Ugo Mulas, both of them at the Cini Foundation venues and finally, the one presented
at the M9, 1900 Museum, in Mestre, dedicated to the Venetian master of the informal Emilio Vedova.
Also for art, but regarding museums in this case, we may point out appealing openings during summer
evenings promoted by the City Museums, which we are listing in the dedicated Museums column.
Editoriale | Editorial
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