We’re getting ready to leave for Europe on Monday and I’m finding as I get older that it takes more time and better organization to travel. I don’t remember it being this complicated. I’ve been focused on finishing up nonsite before we leave as well as my Unit 3 written report, as I’m not sure how easy it will be to connect to the internet while traveling. We’re flying into Paris, then taking the train down to Venice to see the Biennale on Thursday.
Working on nonsite, I’ve been thinking a lot about when I went to see the 1976 Venice Biennale. I was still an art student and I didn’t really know what to expect, but I arrived in Venice for the opening. I found a pensione near the train station (single bed, 7500 lira) and once I got to the Giardini it was very exciting to see that many people coming to see contemporary art.
Highlights for me in 1976 were mostly in the Germano Celant curated the Aperto part of the Biennale. I remember the Jannis Kounellis horses that were led into the converted gallery space every day for a couple of hours and the clean tile floors.
Dan Graham installed his amazing two rooms. Joseph Beuys installed Tram Stop in the German Pavilion. I’m trying to remember, but I think Greg Curnoe was in the Canadian Pavilion.
