The 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, titled Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, is a profound exploration of themes surrounding foreignness, identity, and the margins of society. Running from April 20 to November 24, 2024, this edition emphasizes the narratives of artists who have been considered outsiders, whether due to their nationality, cultural background, or artistic expression, emphasizing a decolonial gaze that has become increasingly urgent in contemporary discourse.
Adriano Pedrosa, the first South American curator of the Exhibition, draws inspiration from a series of works by the collective Claire Fontaine, which illuminates the phrase “Foreigners Everywhere” in various languages. This not only challenges our understanding of foreignness and belonging but also delves into issues of racism, xenophobia, and the global movement of people. The exhibition is divided into two main sections: the Nucleo Contemporaneo, focusing on contemporary issues through the lens of queer, outsider, and indigenous artists, and the Nucleo Storico, which revisits works from the 20th century from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to question the boundaries and definitions of modernism.
A significant feature of the Biennale is its global outlook, with participation from 90 countries, 30 collateral events, and a display of 332 artists, making it a vast observatory of diversity. The themes explored include colonialism, tourism, gentrification, and exclusion, with a particular focus on the language and concept of the “foreigner” or “stranger”. Special attention is given to outdoor projects and a performance program during the pre-opening and closing weekend, further enriching the visitor’s experience.
Among the highlighted artists and projects are Anna Maria Maiolino and Nil Yalter, recipients of the Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement, who will present new works. The MAHKU Collective from Brazil and the MATAAHO Collective from New Zealand will also feature prominently with installations that reflect their cultural and indigenous backgrounds.
This year’s Biennale not only showcases art from underrepresented cultures and artists but also reflects the shifting perspectives on art and culture in a globalized world. It’s a celebration of diversity, challenging our perceptions of identity, belonging, and the very notion of being a “foreigner”.
