What You Should Definitely Avoid in Venice

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The article humorously critiques the Venice Biennale, highlighting several disappointments. It describes a Japanese pavilion installation by Ei Arakawa-Nash featuring baby dolls for diaper-changing, which a critic dismisses as a male artist over-romanticizing parenthood. Other flops include long queues for the German and Austrian pavilions, underwhelming main exhibition "In Minor Keys," and annoying self-promotional performers outside venues. The piece also laments the presence of loud American collectors and donors who dominate the event.

15th Shanghai Biennale Review: Code Switching

The 15th Shanghai Biennale, titled 'Code Switching,' has opened at the Power Station of Art (PSA). The exhibition, centered on the theme of what hears and what can be heard, features immersive installations like Allora & Calzadilla's floating yellow synthetic flowers in the atrium, which create a striking yet artificial environment that visitors eagerly photograph. The experience is framed by promotional gestures, such as free manuka honey samples, blurring lines between art, commerce, and audience participation.