A Biennale 2.0

The 54th edition of the Venice Biennale is not without controversy. The main focus of criticism is on the Italian pavilion entitled "Art is not cosa nostra." The space, designed on occasion of the 150th anniversary of the unification of the country, includes the Museum of the Mafia and a selection of works by Vittorio Sgarbi, defender of Silvio Berlusconi. This selection has been considered "unethical and immoral” because it includes portraits of Sgarbi and Berlusconi and the presence of the Italian porn actress Vittoria Risi posing naked.

This year's edition is also characterized by an emphasis on the Internet and social networks in order to get more visibility. iBiennale, the official iPad and iPhone application of the Venice Biennale, has been updated with new graphics and new functions to enhance its value and expand its navigation possibilities. After having met with success during last year’s International Architecture Exhibition (15 000 download), the new 2011 version of the application contains an enhanced catalog of the 54th International Art Exhibition. With this application, users can read articles, view photos, videos and virtual rotations of the artwork, as well as access geo-referencing and conceptual maps of the exhibition. Users can interact with the content, the forms, the places and the experiences in an original and engaging way

Visitors will be surprised by Jan Fabre’s “Pieta”, a personal version of Michelagelo’s “Pieta” and by Anish Kapoor’s “Ascension” a site-specific installation that is set to hold court at Venice’s Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore.

Date: from June 4 to November 27, 2011
Location: Venice, Central Pavilion of the Giardini and Arsenale.
Hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m.  to 18.00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays, (except June 6 and November 21).
More information: http://www.labiennale.org/it/Home.html