From Venice

If art should awaken us to what’s real, in ourselves, in the world, or beyond what words can say, then the Venice Biennale certainly does that. Maybe the lack of a clear curatorial focus made the whole thing feel messy at times, but there was still plenty to admire, absorb, and be amazed by.

Eighty-four thousand steps later, there’s simply no way to see everything. I did make time for artists represented in The Clark Collection who appeared in the official Biennale: Ebony G. Patterson, Big Chief Demond Melancon, Nick Cave, Torkwase Dyson, Beverly Buchanan and María Magdalena Campos-Pons. I was also glad to catch Amoako Boafo’s work along the way. Derrick Adams, Roberto Diago, Sanford Biggers and Maia Cruz Palileo, exhibited throughout the city as well.

Wandering through the pavilions often felt confusing, much like the world itself right now, but inspiration was everywhere. Italy stood out. So did the Bahamas. The Austrian Pavilion was unforgettable with the human art.

Regardless of the criticism surrounding this year’s exhibition, congratulations to the American Pavilion. And thanks to Alma Allen for the beautiful works that, as The New York Times put it, were “plopped” onto the world stage.

Thanks also Mariane and Pierre (Mariane Ibrahim Gallery), Monique Meloche and the many contributors that make this event once in a lifetime every two years!