The Venice Biennale opened to invited guests today. Below, a brief look at some of the 70 national pavilions that are participating and the scene in the city right now. Among the offerings: an indigenous Australian smoking ceremony, Sarah Lucas’s display at Britain’s pavilion, and celebrity sightings.
Venice in the morning.
The Biennale entrance.
The crowd between Arsenale and Giardini.
The Central Pavilion
Canadian Pavilion artists Jasmin Bilodeau, Sebastien Giguere, and Nicolas Laverdiere.
Céleste Boursier-Mougenot enjoying a quiet moment outside the French pavilion. Read the artist's ARTnews profile.
Argelia Bravo's exhibit at the Venezuelan pavilion.
The Australian pavilion inauguration ceremony featuring indigenous artists performing a traditional smoking ceremony.
The Australian pavilion inauguration ceremony featuring indigenous artists performing a traditional smoking ceremony.
Architect John Denton and Cate Blanchett at the Australian Pavilion opening ceremony.
The Australian Pavilion Inauguration ceremony, featuring performer William Barton, Dott. Vittorio Zappalorto, George Brandis, Paolo Barrata, Simon Mordant, John Denton, Rupert Myer, Cate Blanchett, and Fiona Hall.
Seating in the Spanish pavilion.
Kara Walker.
Fiona Hall's exhibition 'Wrong Way Time' at the Australian pavilion.
Maria Papadimitriou's exhibition 'Why Look at Animals? AGRIMIKÁ' inside the Greek Pavilion.
Szilárd Cseke's 'Sustainable Identities' Inside the Hungarian Pavilion.
Venice.
A few of the giant yachts docked near Arsenale.
Sarah Lucas at the Great Britain pavilion.
Irina Nakhova's exhibition 'The Green Pavilion' at the Russian pavilion.
Venice.
Ursula Von Rydingsvard in Yorkshire sculpture park.
KATHERINE MCMAHON/ARTNEWS
Cafe at the Biennale.
ALL PHOTOS: KATHERINE MCMAHON/ARTNEWS