A True-to-Life Biennale

The Venice Biennale was described as historical, political, thrilling, and moving. It was presented as more alive than ever rather than imploding due to boycotts, resignations, and international disputes. An international exhibition at that scale was said to fall flat if it did not mirror conditions beyond the art world. The main exhibition In Minor Keys by the late Koyo Kouoh was highlighted for bringing archival-document images into an unusual venue in Venice. The trip also emphasized meeting readers worldwide and recognizing local art workers and activists for their courage and integrity. Additional notes referenced New York art fairs, their atmosphere, and the variety of contemporary work and venues.

"Did the Biennale "implode" because of boycotts, resignations, and international disputes, as some critics have lamented? Quite the opposite - it was more alive than ever. An international exhibition at this scale would fall flat if it didn't reflect both the woes and joys of the world outside. The late Koyo Kouoh's main exhibition In Minor Keys did just that."

"After miles of legwork, dozens of espressos, too much pasta, and an astronomical amount of art at the Venice Biennale, I'm back at my desk in New York City. It was historical. It was political. It was thrilling and moving. The best part of my trip was meeting many of our readers around the world."

"My review forthcoming. The late Koyo Kouoh's main exhibition In Minor Keys did just that. Unmoored from the anchors of deep pockets that often hinder imagination, the artist brought her images of archival documents to an unusual venue in the Italian city."

"I was particularly inspired by the local art workers and activists in Venice. Big salute to their courage and integrity. Ciao, friends, and see you next time. New York Art Fairs On finding a reprieve from the monotonous rhythm and the art that made me forget I was at a trade show."

Read at Hyperallergic