The Theme: Foreigners Everywhere
The 60th edition of the Venice Biennale, titled Stranieri Ovunque—translated as Foreigners Everywhere—was a profound celebration of international artistry and cultural diversity. Curated by Adriano Pedrosa, this year’s exhibition invited both first-time participants and established artists to explore the complexities of identity and belonging. Pedrosa explained that the theme carried multiple layers of meaning: wherever one goes, they will inevitably encounter foreigners, and on a deeper level, all individuals are, in essence, foreigners themselves.
Reflections and Artistic Highlights
Among the notable contributors was Roselyn Cason-Marcus, a member of the Patron board for the British Pavilion. Recently, in a LinkedIn post, Cason-Marcus reflected on the stunning range of artistic expressions across the Biennale’s numerous exhibitions, each reflecting unique societal and personal narratives. One of the most captivating works was Sir John Akomfrah’s Listening All Night to the Rain in the British Pavilion, which Cason-Marcus described as a “magnum opus.”
In the U.S. Pavilion, Jeffrey Gibson became the first First Nation artist to present a solo exhibition. His work stood as a milestone, while Tesfaye Urgessa’s Prejudice and Belonging for the Ethiopian Pavilion explored resilience, focusing on how individuals are defined by their ability to heal rather than their scars. Senegalese artist Alioune Diagne’s monumental work inside Arsenale also addressed societal challenges in Senegal, engaging visitors in a dialogue on social justice and endurance.
A Powerful Tribute: Kith and Kin by Archie Moore
One of the Biennale’s most memorable installations came from Archie Moore, the Golden Lion award winner. His piece, Kith and Kin, was a deeply personal exploration of his First Nation ancestry. Moore hand-chalked a massive family tree that extended to the ceiling and hovered over a reflective black pool, a poignant tribute to the pain, displacement, and suffering endured by his ancestors.
Yinka Shonibare CBE RA’s work chronicling the 1897 looting of Benin by British forces further added to the exhibition’s emotional and historical depth. His monument captured a painful chapter of African history while also commenting on colonial exploitation.
A Monumental Experience
For Cason-Marcus, the 60th Venice Biennale was a breathtaking experience, marked by a convergence of artistic expressions that transcended national boundaries. The theme of Foreigners Everywhere resonated throughout the diverse and monumental works, providing a space for reflection on both the shared and individual aspects of human existence.