Just back from four maddening days in Venice for the 56th edition of the Venice Biennale. It's the third consecutive one that I have visited, but my legs are acting as if it was the first time they've ever walked so much in my life. In terms of art events, or international art forums, the Biennale is generally the one event that I look forward to the most, partly because of its scale and setting: (89 participating countries this year) with a total of 104 exhibition spaces when taking the collateral events that are held throughout the city. But the real reason I look forward to it is that it presses my buttons and stimulates me in a way no other art fair does. When you visit an institutional event you never know what you're going to get. Visiting the Biennale you have to consider the traditions, the stuffiness and the breathtaking setting before taking on what is being presented to you. Getting past that set of mind games sets you up for a magnified perception of things: you're likely to see a lot of art but you're not going to walk away with a lot of competing opinions. It's the Olympiad of the art world, and as a result, you have to be mentally strong and fit. After the first few pavilions you start to form clear ideas. No room for umming and ahhing otherwise you're not going to make any progress: there's so much to see that it can be a bit daunting. So, how was it? Better than the last edition. Crippled by the plurality of the art world, and overrun by politics more so than in previous years. But more satisfying as a result, particularly because few of the usual hard hitters got it right this year. But more on that in the next posts. In the meantime, if you want an overview head over to the official site.
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My friends here at Bitume Photofest are calling for photographers to participate in this summer's edition of the International Festival of Contemporary Photography.
This year the theme is rural layers, and a series of workshops, culminating in an exhibition, will take place in the province of Gallipoli, located here in the South East of Italy. Visit the website for more information or to apply. Taylor Swift forces Apple into a corner and to backdown from their, let's face it, incredibly arrogant decision to not pay royalties on their streaming service. She's sharp and savvy when it comes to protecting her revenues: one gets the feeling that she's got her business model down pat. It's a win for artists and a sign of the perils that face streaming companies. More here. I've had a busy couple of days in Venice where I scoured the Giardini, Arsenale and various other sites to visit the bulk of what's on show at this year's Biennale. Enjoyed it much more than the previous two I have to say, and over the coming days I'll be posting and giving you my tips on what to see or what you wished you saw if you're not able to make it there. Basel may have captured the press' interest this week but there's no place like Venice during Biennale. Don't care what people say contrary to that! Stay tuned Rebel Heart tour confirmed for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
What to expect: lots of excitement about her first tour in 23 years, lots of grumbling about ticket prices, fresh interest in Rebel Heart and lots of Australian fans going apeshit. The press won't let people forget that she has only ever once toured Australia, but it's also likely to benefit the maligned Rebel Heart singles and album sales there. New Zealand to host at least one show too. More details here: Amazing mash up from WaxAudio that throws two of the most sensual acts and songs of all time into the blender to stunning effect.
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Dave
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Dave Di Vito is a writer, teacher and former curator.He's also the author of the Vinyl Tiger series and Replace The Sky.
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