The New Year Means Venice’s Biennale

When New Years draws to an end, the art world turns its attention to Venice. Though drawing a smaller crowd than Carnival and Film Festival do, Venice’s Biennale is undoubtedly one of the most important occasions for the display and purchase of important works of art. And could you ask for a more perfect location? Unlike Dubai and Miami, Venice feels like a a piece of art unto itself. An effect of Byzantium influence, Palladianism and a touch of Titian’s resplendent palette, a visit to the art world’s grandest exposition is a must see for all visitors to the hotels in Venice.

Hosted biannually since 1895, the premise of the Biennale was to showcase contemporary creations from the world’s most notable - and avant-garde - artists. From 1907 onwards, countries from around the world would begin to install permanent pavilion's in the exposition’s grounds, the Giardini. Located within minutes from the St. Mark’s Square and the luxurious Venice hotel of La Guidecca, creation from the world’s most important artists can be viewed from January until October.

The space which would ascend Arshile Gorky, Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Ed Ruscha and Jenny Holzer into super-stardom, the Venice Beinnale is a great way to explore Venice’s contemporary art scene. A city not stuck in it’s Renaissance and Baroque past, the Biennale is an example of the type of progressive thinking that keeps Italy a major force in the world of art. Because the fair doesn’t take place within a week (or for that matter, a single month) it would be wise to consult the Biennale’s website for rates, exhibition schedule, and artists demonstration prior to making the excursion to the Giardini.