So we've come to the end of the exhibits and pavilions opening week of the Biennale. Is there such a thing as having too much fun? I've had a whole week filled with non-stop parties, rahs, artists, bellinis, free food, expensive clothes, fabulous fashion, bellinis, secret finds, good times, face lifts, prosecco and bellinis. If only it never had to end. This is the life.
Here are my four favourite days of this week. Just be warned - lots of pictures in this post!
DAY 1 Opening of Anish Kapoor's exhibit 'Ascension' and the exhibits 'Real Venice' and 'Penelope's Labour' on Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore.
I made a complete prat of myself in front of Alastair Sooke, my future husband (when cloning becomes possible) as I got a bit too excited from the quantity of prosecco and mini cheese tarts I had consumed. I stumbled up to him, voice shaking, cheeks burning and told him gushingly that he is my idol. I even think the words "Thank you for talking to me Mr. Sooke" were said. No one marries a fan! Even if they are just a clone. Balls. However I redeemed myself with Grayson Perry and we chatted away about the brilliance of the English sense of humour. Once you get over the fact he dresses as a china doll, he is very very cool. I'm jealous of myself.
I made a complete prat of myself in front of Alastair Sooke, my future husband (when cloning becomes possible) as I got a bit too excited from the quantity of prosecco and mini cheese tarts I had consumed. I stumbled up to him, voice shaking, cheeks burning and told him gushingly that he is my idol. I even think the words "Thank you for talking to me Mr. Sooke" were said. No one marries a fan! Even if they are just a clone. Balls. However I redeemed myself with Grayson Perry and we chatted away about the brilliance of the English sense of humour. Once you get over the fact he dresses as a china doll, he is very very cool. I'm jealous of myself.
THE PEOPLE
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| Grayson Perry |
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| Anish Kapoor |
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| Alastair Sooke (mega cute!!) |
THE ART
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| Anish Kapoor installation in San Giorgio Maggiore - giant indoor tornado! |
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| Very graphic Grayson Perry tapestry |
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| Close up of tapestry. The devil is in tea and biscuits and saucy knickers apparently. |
DAY 2 Opening of Palazzo Grassi exhibition 'The World Belongs to You'. Palazzo Grassi is owned by François Pinault, who also owns Gucci and Christie's Auction House, amongst many other things and whose son is married to Salma Hayek. Although I did not spot either of these people or any of the artists exhibiting, I was scuffling like a dirty commoner amongst them. This, in my opinion, is still excellent. I am again jealous of myself.
THE ART
This bit of art is ridiculous but amazing. It sprawls over the whole three floors of the palazzo, twining around the stairs, creeping across the floor like something from Jumanji crossed with Willy Wonka crossed with Early Learning Center. Fabbo.
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| 'Contamination' by Joana Vasconcelos |
DAY 3 Far too many proseccos and bellinis and strawberries and cherries at the opening of the American Pavillion at the Guggenheim and far too many face lifts, lip fillers and people dripping in money - the elite of New York's art scene and me, match made in heaven...Followed by more bellinis at Corner Pub with the Gugg Crew. Followed by private night-time tour of the bamboo tower structure next to the Guggenheim, treacherous and slippery climb to the top and incredible view of Canale Grande, bloody fantastic. Followed by gatecrashing Guggenheim interns' summer party and drinking even more prosecco and bellinis. No photos were taken this evening as I was far too inebriated. But I am still grinning like a cheshire cat with the memories!
DAY 4 Opening of Polly Morgan 'Burials' at Workshop Arte Contemporanae. Opening of Elena Hill's, ArtSway's and Arnolfini Gallery's exhibit 'To The River' by Sophy Ricket. Opening of Barry X Ball at Ca' Rezzonico.
DAY 4 Opening of Polly Morgan 'Burials' at Workshop Arte Contemporanae. Opening of Elena Hill's, ArtSway's and Arnolfini Gallery's exhibit 'To The River' by Sophy Ricket. Opening of Barry X Ball at Ca' Rezzonico.
THE ART
Seperate post about Polly Morgan to come as she is beyond the realms of cool. Sophy Rickett does video installations so no photos of that. But photos of Barry X Ball, which were beautiful sculptured heads in a stunning 17th century palazzo. Woop.
So all in all, I would have to conclude that there is definitely not such a thing as having too much fun. Where there's a bellini, there's a way.
