The international art community gathered in Venice for the Biennale preview week was greeted with a refreshing sunny day after two days of rain. This uplifting weather coincided with the inauguration of a new artistic venue on San Giacomo Island by renowned collector Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo.
San Giacomo Island marks the latest addition to the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation, which was established in 1995 in Turin, Italy. The foundation, known for its commitment to contemporary art, opened its headquarters in 2002 and has since expanded its reach through itinerant exhibitions across Spain.
Acquired in 2018 from a private banking entity, San Giacomo Island was envisioned by Re Rebaudengo as a unique space for exhibitions, performances, and artist residencies. "In this strip of land surrounded by water," she stated, "I immediately recognized a special place, suited to hosting exhibitions, artworks, and residencies--perfect for accommodating the slower pace of artistic research and fostering dialogue among artists and scholars."
The island, located just a 20-minute boat ride from the main Biennale venues, has already hosted performances by notable artists, including Brazilian interdisciplinary artist Jota Mombaça and Korean dancer Eun Me Ahn. The site will gradually open to the public, with initial access during Biennale-related exhibitions and guided tours.
San Giacomo boasts a rich historical background, having served various purposes over the centuries, from a monastery to a military outpost. Today, two repurposed Napoleonic-era powder magazines house exhibitions, including "Don't Have Hope, Be Hope!" featuring works from the foundation's collection, and a solo exhibition by artist Matt Copson, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist.
Copson's exhibit features striking sculptures and high-tech installations that evoke modern interpretations of ancient art forms. The island also showcases permanent installations by renowned artists such as Claire Fontaine, Goshka Macuga, and Hugh Hayden.
Hayden's latest work, titled Huff and a Puff, is a chapel-like structure that challenges perceptions with its tilted design. Meanwhile, Pamela Rosenkranz presents a vibrant sculpture, Old Tree (Pink Seas), symbolizing interconnectedness through its intricate design.
As visitors explore the island, they will encounter Macuga's thought-provoking piece, GONOGO, a polished metal rocket that encapsulates contemporary dilemmas of aspiration and reality. This new art destination promises to enhance Venice's cultural landscape and inspire future generations of artists and art enthusiasts.
