Giuria o pubblico? La Biennale non è un algoritmo, ma neppure una liturgia
The article critically examines the proposal for "Visitor Lions" (Leoni dei Visitatori) at the Venice Biennale, arguing that the idea is a fragile, quick-fix response to a deeper crisis. It questions whether replacing expert juries with public voting would truly improve the selection process, noting that both systems have significant flaws: juries are not necessarily neutral, often rushed and filtered, while public voting risks favoring accessible, easily consumable works and reinforcing existing hierarchies.
The piece matters because it challenges the assumption that either expert juries or public votes can reliably produce meaningful awards. It argues that the real issue is not choosing between these two methods but rethinking the purpose of prizes altogether—whether they should certify consensus or provoke risk and fracture. By drawing parallels with major film festivals, the article suggests that authority and credibility are eroded not by making mistakes but by becoming predictable and avoiding genuine judgment.