Artist helping Venice Biennale move beyond its history
This year’s Venice Biennale calls for greater diversity and change, and one of its exhibiting artists is part of that push, putting unheard voices from her homeland (Timor-Leste) in the spotlight.
‘Lips to Kiss and Don’t Tell (Ibun Kulit ba Rei no Labele Koalia)’ – Study III, 2023 by Maria Madeira. Tais (traditional East Timorese cloth), red earth, glue, sealer on paper. Photo: Juventino Madeira, courtesy of the artist and Anna Schwartz Gallery.
The 2024 Venice Biennale is just days away, which means plenty of art world figures are either on their way to Italy, or have recently arrived there to soak it all in.
But apart from these art world insiders, perhaps few people realise this epic international art show – established in 1895 – still adheres to its original organisational structure of an historic (some may also say outdated) exhibition model of a classic 19th century “world fair” event.
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
