 Venice! Many would say it is a work of art in itself. Throughout history it has been the home of great music, great decorative art, and--most especially every February during Carnival--Ventians have always used fantastic masks, decorative clothing and great imagination to transform themselves into works of art. So, it is only natural that in this special time and place, Venice invites the world to see its grand international art show, the Biennale. Some say this biennial art show is the largest in the world with exhibitions in museums, churches, palaces and boutiques as well as in more than 33 country pavilions, each showing the works of its most notable artists.
The first Venice Biennale began in 1895 with the decorative arts being the outstanding category of contributions. As the Biennale grew it became more innovative so that by the first half of the 20th century, and especially after World War I, it progressed from traditional art to featuring works by Modern Artists. In its first theme show, titled "Work and Behavior", it inserted itself into politics by protesting the dictatorship of August Pinochet in Chile. After a six-year break during World War II, The Venice Biennale began to pay attention to Avant-garde movements in Europe, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and Postmodern Art. It has grown larger, with increasing emphasis on more varied and popular art as it approaches its 100th anniversary.
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Europe
