THREE Must-See Exhibits at the 2024 Venice Biennale
Wael Shawky
The 2024 Venice Biennale, themed "Stranieri Ovunque" (Foreigners Everywhere), promises a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of identity, migration, and cultural exchange. With over 80 national pavilions and countless offsite events spread throughout the city, it can be overwhelming to choose what to see. To help you out, here are three must-see exhibits that stand out for their innovation and impact:
1. Wael Shawky’s "Drama 1882" at the Egypt Pavilion
Wael Shawky's "Drama 1882" is a cinematic experience set during Egypt's colonial past, specifically the Urabi Revolution of 1879-1882. The film delves into the complex relationship between imperialism and nationalism, using a blend of fact and fantasy. Shot in a historic open-air theater in Alexandria, the film features mesmerising performances and songs in Classical Arabic. Beyond the film, Shawky incorporates sculptural elements from the set, creating an immersive experience that invites viewers to reconsider the history of Egypt through a new lens.
Wael Shawky
Why It’s a Must-See:
The historical and political significance, paired with Shawky's stunning visual and musical storytelling, makes this pavilion a powerful reflection on colonialism’s long-lasting impact.
Guerreiro do Divino Amor
2. "Super Superior Civilizations" by Guerreiro do Divino Amor at the Swiss Pavilion
Swiss-Brazilian artist Guerreiro do Divino Amor presents a mind-bending blend of mythology, Swiss identity, and global issues in his immersive installation, "Super Superior Civilizations". The exhibition combines high-tech 3D projections with quirky, campy sets—ranging from collapsed architectural ruins to laser-eyed fountains. The video component, "The Miracle of Helvetia", brings viewers into a surreal, planetary exploration of Swiss symbols and stereotypes through a Greek epic-inspired narrative (Artnet News).
Guerreiro do Divino Amor
Why It’s a Must-See:
This exhibition offers a perfect mix of visual spectacle, wit, and deeper commentary on identity and nationalism, making it one of the most exciting and entertaining experiences at the Biennale.
Beatriz Milhazes
3. Beatriz Milhazes at the Applied Arts Pavilion (Arsenale)
Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes brings her vibrant and large-scale paintings and collages to the Applied Arts Pavilion at the Arsenale. Known for her ability to merge Brazil’s cultural imagination with modernist Western painting, Milhazes presents seven new works that fuse color, pattern, and abstraction in a celebration of both local and global art traditions (La Biennale di Venezia).
Why It’s a Must-See:
Milhazes’ use of color and form is striking, and her ability to blend traditional and contemporary artistic influences creates a captivating dialogue about cultural identity in an increasingly globalized world.
Conclusion
These three exhibits encapsulate the diversity and innovation of the 2024 Venice Biennale. From historical film narratives to immersive installations and bold visual art, each offers a unique perspective on the Biennale’s theme of "Foreigners Everywhere." Make sure to include these on your visit to fully experience the dynamic range of art on display.
These exhibitions not only provide visual stimulation but also invite critical reflection on the Biennale’s core themes of migration, identity, and cultural exchange.
