For the first time in the history of Biennale Arte a press conference on the 54th Art Exhibition was held in Moscow.
The press conference was opened by Italian Ambassador Mr. Antonio Zanardi Landi.
The first speech was delivered by President of the Venice Biennale, Mr. Paolo Baratta, who told the audience about Biennale Arte, its history and current status. In particular, he noted that in this year the Biennale will take a record number of participating countries: 88. Among them are such countries as Iraq, India, Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia.
Swiss curator Bice Curiger is the artistic director of the 2011 Art Exhibition. She spoke about the concept of her ILLUMInation exhibition, which will be located in the Arsenal and Central Pavilion in Giardini and unveiled the list of artists. A young artist Anna Titova will be the only Russian participant of the exhibition.
The floor to give a closing speech was provided to Nikolai Molok, Assistant Commissioner of the Russian Pavilion. In his speech, he reported about a symposium anticipating the exhibition at the Russian Hall (this year, Russia will be represented by Andrei Monastyrski and Collective Action group). The Symposium was initiated by Boris Groys, exhibition curator at the Russian Pavilion, and Stella Art Foundation, and will be held on April 14 and 15, 2011 in Moscow, at the Central House of Writers.
The Conference topic is: “Revisiting Conceptual Art: Russian Case in the International Context”. Sarah Wilson (Courtauld Institute, London), Chus Martinez (documenta XIII, Kassel), Anton Vidokle (e-flux, USA), Ekaterina Degot (Moscow), etc. have already confirmed their participation.
The 54th Art Exhibition — La Biennale di Venezia will be opened to the public on June 4 and will last until November 27, 2011.
