The Italian Heritage Group claims that a new sculptural exhibition in Venice's public square diverts attention from the city's existing cultural heritage and infrastructure in need of conservation.
An exhibition of sculptures installed in various public places in Venice for the upcoming Biennale is receiving criticism from members of the local community, who argue that the exhibition diverts attention from the city's existing cultural heritage that is in need of restoration and preservation.
Composed of 15 contemporary works by Spanish artist Manolo Valdés, “Las Meninas” a San Marco (2024) was organized by Galleria D'Arte Contini in collaboration with the Municipality of Venice; the city's Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape; and Vela SpA, a company subordinate to the Venice City Council, involved in the organization of major public events, including the Venice Boat Show and Carnevale.
The exhibition only officially opens on Friday, when the works will be officially inaugurated with Valdés in a ceremony in the city's historic public square, Piazza San Marco, where his row of 13 bronze sculptures - a dozen works from the “Reina Mariana” and a huge “Infanta Margherita” – emulating the painting “Las Meninas” (1656) by Diego Velázquez was posted last week. But within hours of their installation, the works were criticized by local heritage group Italia Nostra for their contribution to what it calls the “biennialization” of Venice.
“Should we be happy with this flowering of art exhibitions and not just temporary ones (with entire buildings handed over to collectors)? The refrain is always the same: it’s better than the ruined buildings,” the community organization said in a Facebook post dated March 28, tagging two photos of Valdés’ installation.
The city has been dealing with the degradation of its buildings and infrastructure due to the combined impact of mass tourism, ongoing development and climate change. In 2023, UNESCO recommended placing the city on its list of heritage danger.
“We turn a blind eye to the consequences of this extreme 'biennialization' of the city”, continues the organization's statement. “Functions for citizens disappear and consequently citizens disappear. And the city disappears.”
In addition to the line of bronze sculptures, there are also two large chromatic works exhibited nearby: “Mariposas” (2024), located in Riva Ca' di Dio, on the border with the Venice Lagoon, and “Diadema” (2024) in the Venetian Arsenal, which serves as the central exhibition venue for the Biennale. The installations will remain on display until June 15th.
“The feedback received has been mostly positive, obviously there is some jealousy here and there, but this is also the beauty of the art world,” Riccarda Grasselli Contini of Galleria D'Arte Contini told Hyperallergic regarding the public reception of the exhibition.
Hyperallergic