Examining ‘Fragility and Transmission’ at the Venice Biennale

From October 10th to 13th, our doctoral students Maéva Pimo, Ruby Satele Asiata and Cécile Mendy from the Cultural Heritage Chair and the Global Conservation (GloCo) project at the Universität Wien embarked on an enriching visit to the Venice Biennale.

This 60th edition of the International Art Exhibition, titled Foreigners Everywhere – Stranieri Ovunque, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, juxtaposed strong and evocative themes of displacement, belonging, and the concept of unfamiliarity. Pedrosa, the first South American curator of the Biennale, centered his selection on artists who had never before participated in the exhibition, casting fresh light on art outside the Anglosphere.

Investigating Fragility and Transmission

Throughout their time in Venice, the doctoral students examined how art embodies fragility—not just in its physical forms but also in the preservation of its meaning and relevance across generations. The idea of transmission took center stage as they analyzed how art and its cultural significance are shared, adapted, and transformed over time.

The visit included in-depth analyses of the Arsenale and the Giardini, two cornerstone venues of the Biennale, as well as several additional pavilions scattered throughout the city. These diverse spaces provided a comprehensive view of the Biennale’s artistic offerings, sparking discussions on the challenges and innovations in the conservation of contemporary and historical works.

Connecting Conservation with Contemporary Art

The interplay between conservation and contemporary art was a key focus during the visit. As the students engaged with installations and exhibits, they considered the roles of materiality, environment, and human intervention in both the creation and preservation of art. Venice itself, with its historic architecture and cultural legacy, served as an evocative backdrop for these reflections.

This visit underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and conserving cultural heritage. By linking theory with practice, the Biennale offered invaluable insights that will inform the ongoing research within the GloCo project.