Many are interested in what the Biennale is. Today, one often hears this word. Biennale is an exhibition or festival where cultural achievements are demonstrated. Usually people from different countries take part in them. Such a festival is held once every two years. The modern biennale can be compared with the nervous system that permeates the entire planet. All people who are accustomed to keep pace with the times know about such events. The exhibition often occupies a vast territory on which a small city would fit perfectly.
Biennale in Venice and Kassel
The Venice Biennale is the oldest; it appeared at the end of the 19th century. Another exhibition with a rich history - “Documenta”, held in a German city called Kassel. It is interesting that it takes place once every five years, but it is still considered a full-fledged Biennale. It was founded in 1947 through the efforts of curators who wanted to popularize the post-war art of Germany. According to the creators, the exhibition should arouse love for the motherland. While the biennale is still held and gathers a lot of spectators, it can be argued that the cultural level in the country is quite high. And this, of course, sets up an optimistic mood. If you ask any German child what the Biennale is, then most likely he will answer correctly, and that says a lot. As for the Venetian festival, its purpose was to demonstrate the masterpieces of Italian art, which was by no means limited to the works of bygone years, for example, the Renaissance, but which also included many interesting contemporary things at that time. After a while, the Biennale became larger, and people from all over the world began to gather at it. Artists from various countries considered it an honor to take part in it.
Exhibitions in Istanbul, Gwangju and Dakar
Great biennials are also held in other countries, for example, in Turkey. Localized exhibition in Istanbul. It all started with the fact that an art critic named Beral Madra was able to convince the government and many influential people that the cultural achievements of Turkey must be demonstrated to both fellow citizens and foreigners. Shortly after its founding, the Biennale gained international proportions. After a while, a similar exhibition was organized in South Korea, in the city of Gwangju. Senegal followed a contagious example, having founded the Biennale in Dakar. Many were very surprised, because they did not expect that something like this could be organized in such a country. There is a stereotype in society that the international biennale is the prerogative of more successful states.
Features of the Venetian and German Biennale
Today, large-scale exhibitions are held in different countries, but the most famous is the Venetian. Perhaps it can be compared with a Chinese flea market: there is such an abundance of works of art that it begins to ripple in the eyes. Kassel, by contrast, is characterized by restraint and thoughtfulness. This can be considered its advantage. In Venice, complete chaos reigns, and in Kassel - orderliness, worthy of praise. The Turkish exhibition, by the way, is much like the German one. The ingenious plan of the founders was stunningly embodied. Today it is difficult to find an intelligent Turk who does not know what the Biennale is.
Modest attempts by underdeveloped countries
Lagging in the development of the state, contrary to common stereotypes, they also try to organize spectacular events of a similar plan, but they do not always succeed. For example, the Biennale, based in the South African city of Johannesburg, operated for only a few years. International festivals are held in our country. We should also mention Saudi Arabia, which gave the Pompidou Museum a rather large sum ($ 100 million) in order to establish a center for Islamic contemporary art. Well, a good start. It is noteworthy that in this center it is planned to demonstrate only works of art that are secular, not religious in nature. Egypt is another country where major exhibitions are held.
