On the entryway to “Viva Arte Viva” is a colorful piece by Sam Gilliam, Yves Klein Blue, from 2015.
The 57th edition of the Venice Biennale opened to select members of the press today, with a preview that lasts until May 12. Below, a brief look at the main exhibition—”Viva Arte Viva,” curated by Christine Macel—and some of the action at the national pavilions.
-
- In the entryway to “Viva Arte Viva” is a colorful piece by Sam Gilliam, Yves Klein Blue, from 2015.
-
- John Waters, Study Art Sign (for Prestige or Spite), 2007, in “Viva Arte Viva.”
-
- Phyllida Barlow, who is representing Great Britain this year at the Biennale, outside her pavilion.
-
- Olafur Eliasson at the Biennale.
-
- In the last room of the United States Pavilion is Mark Bradford’s silent video, Niagara, 2005.
-
- McArthur Binion with one of his paintings in “Viva Arte Viva.”
-
- A Biennale-goer taking photos outside the caged dogs on the exterior of the German pavilion by Anne Imhof.
-
- Works by Kiki Smith at “Viva Arte Viva.”
-
- Klaus Biesenbach flanked by Marwan paintings, in “Viva Arte Viva.”
-
- Work by Geoffrey Farmer, representing Canada.
-
- Curator Susanne Pfeffer in front of the German Pavilion with works by Anne Imhof.
-
- Takahiro Iwasaki’s installation Turn Upside Down, it’s a Forest at the Japanese Pavilion.
-
- The exterior of the Korean Pavilion is a piece by Cody Choi titled Venetian Rhapsody, the Power of Bluff, 2017.
-
- Inside the Swiss Pavilion, featuring work by Carol Bove.
-
- Dirk Braeckman hanging out next to one of his photographs in the Belgian Pavilion.
-
- Police patrolling the Giardini grounds on opening day.
-
- Tate Director Nicholas Serota taking in the British Pavilion by Phyllida Barlow.
The Artist Wasn’t Present: On MoMA’s Fumbled First Showing of Black American Art
From the Poor Image to Poetic Cinema: A Ranking of 20 Hito Steyerl Videos 
From the Archives: A Look at Chicago’s Budding Art Scene, in 1955, by Museum Pioneer Peter Selz 