Dreams and Conflicts

Venetian biennale explores contemporary modes of art

Since June 15 and running until November 2, Venice is the host the 50th International Art Exhibition entitled Dreams and Conflict: The dictatorship of the Viewer. Directed by Curator Francesco Bonami, the exhibition is being showcased in galleries throughout the city, including Giardini of Castello, the Arsenal, Porto Marghera, the Museo Correr and Palazzo Malipiero.
The theme of this year's exhibit is a take on the impact of globalization on both human civilization and art. In particular, artists will attempt to show how the economic and cultural aspects of globalization can provoke nations that have been subjected to the imperialism of stronger states. Featured will be the works of numerous young Italian artists, who offer the visitor an opportunity to witness the new identity of Italian art. The exhibition is a tribute to paintings from 1964 until the present. Pittura/Painting features the works of more than 40 of the most talented contemporary artists, whose works have been previously displayed at the Biennale di Venezia.
Choreographer Frédéric Flamand was in charge of the First International Festival of Contemporary Dance (12 June to 18 July), in which events occurred over six weekends. The new initiative demonstrated the necessity of artists to express themselves in multi-faceted ways and is a tribute to ever-changing boundaries between various disciplines of art. Flamand utilized modern technology to explore contemporary modes of expression.
Another noteworthy component of this year's event is the 47th International Festival of Contemporary Music, which will run from September 12 to 21. Pianist and composer Uri Caine will lead the festival with incredible music that is a fusion of both new and old. This fusion of various sounds and styles allows the spectator to amalgamate them into a collective whole.
The 35th International Festival of Theatre will follow the music festival under the direction of Peter Sellars. Sellars shares Caine's and Flamand's vision to cross traditional artistic boundaries in search of a contemporary definition of art. Described as radical, Sellars is known for his unique transformation of classics. The festival is scheduled to run from October 15 to October 30.
For more information on this year's exhibition visit www.labiennale.org.

Publication Date: 2003-08-03
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=2997