Impressions from Venice Biennale and the Rise of the Immersive Art Experience
Art has the power to shift our perspectives and occasionally to immerse us so deeply that we forget our surroundings entirely. My recent trip to the Venice Biennale was a reminder of this power – a journey not just across borders but into realms of creativity I hadn’t fully embraced until now.
Almost three years after moving to Austria, I finally had the opportunity to visit Venice. The relative proximity and the ease of train travel made it an ideal destination. While I’d visited Italy before, this was my first time in Venice and it felt fitting that my first experience of the city would be through the lens of the Biennale.
The 60th Venice Biennale, themed “Foreigners Everywhere”, deeply resonated with me due to my personal experiences of relocation. This theme explores the complexities of identity and belonging, reflecting the diverse narratives of artists worldwide.
Over two days, I immersed myself in art at the two main venues, Giardini and Arsenale and explored additional exhibitions scattered throughout Venice. The city itself felt like an extension of the Biennale – a living gallery of history, art and architecture.
A Natural Connection
Due to my Romanian roots and my new home in Austria, I felt a natural connection to both the Romanian and Austrian pavilions. The Romanian pavilion featured exquisite works from Șerban Savu, a painter whose intricate details and use of color showcase a mastery of medium. The exhibition explored themes of work and leisure, drawing inspiration from Socialist realism. In the Austrian Pavilion, conceptual artist Anna Jermolaewa presented Rehearsal for Swan Lake, reimagining Tchaikovsky’s ballet as a form of political protest. This transformation challenges historical narratives and offers a contemporary perspective on a classic piece.
However, looking back, it was the French pavilion that left one of the most vivid impressions. Julien Creuzet’s exhibition at the French Pavilion delved into themes of identity and heritage, particularly focusing on the interplay between culture and nature. A significant aspect of the exhibition was its emphasis on aquatic environments, especially the sea, symbolizing the movement of people, ideas and forms. The immersive installation featured video screens, animations, sculpture, music and poetry, creating a dynamic environment that invited visitors to engage with the textures and colors.
French Pavillion
In the last few years, I’ve noticed a growing number of immersive exhibitions worldwide. From Van Gogh Alive in Munich to an immersive Da Vinci show I came across in Las Vegas last year, this trend is undeniable. Initially, I viewed these exhibitions with a bit of skepticism, considering them more entertainment than art – a way to appeal to audiences less inclined to visit traditional galleries. But my experience in the French pavilion shifted my perspective. It made me realize that in today’s world, where the competition for attention is fierce, artworks that appeal to multiple senses can leave a more lasting impression.
As I discussed this with a French visitor in the Arsenale’s café, she echoed my sentiments. While her patriotism may have colored her view of the French pavilion, we both agreed that the immersive quality of the exhibition made it unforgettable. It’s a reminder that art, at its best, captures attention and lingers in the mind, which I believe, was a sentiment shared by the impressionists and early modernists who sought to capture fleeting moments.
Today’s art scene is increasingly turning to video and interactive elements and I believe this trend will only continue. In a post-pandemic world, where our reliance on screens has reshaped our habits, the demand for more interactive, multisensory experiences seems almost inevitable. A recent article on the evolution of video content post-2020 highlights how this medium is transforming visibility and engagement in both the art and business worlds. For artists and creators, the signs are clear: to resonate deeply with audiences, embracing an immersive, sensory approach could make all the difference.
As we navigate this shift, I find myself more open to immersive exhibitions. The Venice Biennale, with its blend of traditional and contemporary works, demonstrated that art can adapt, surprise and stay relevant. My visit was a reminder that sometimes, stepping outside one’s comfort zone – whether by embracing new art forms or visiting new cities – can offer perspectives that reshape how we see the world.
Leave a Reply