nonsite

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.

Since I’ve been working on this project, 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.

In 1976 for me the highlights were mostly in the  Aperto exhibition that Germano Celant curated. 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 Pavillion. I’m trying to remember, but I think Greg Curnoe was in the Canadian Pavillion.