Every Biennale, the Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore is the site of an array of quality exhibitions. This year, “City of Refuge” by Belgian artist Belinda De Bruyckere leads the way with a breathtaking installation based on archangels in the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore. On the same island, the Cini Foundation, which is housed in the charming monastery, is featuring “In Nebula” by Chinese artist Chu Teh-Chun, “Murano Glass from 1912- 1930”, “Legacy” by Helmut Newton and “Grass and Water” by Alex Katz.
If you happen to be in Venice, plan to spend a lovely day on San Giorgio, have lunch at the classic San Giorgio Café (a little-known gem, with jazz brunch on Sundays), and see both exhibits. Take the #2 vaporetto from San Zaccaria to begin your San Giorgio adventure. It’s only a five-minute ride to the island.
Here are seven photos that I took to show you the “City of Refuge” installation by Belinda De Bruyckere in the Basilica of San Giorgio. It is always a monumental task for an artist to make an imprint on the intricate architectural interior of the enormous Basilica. Du Bruyckere’s complex installation based on fallen archangels rises to the occasion.
The archangels first appeared in Du Bruyckere’s work during COVID when she encountered the painting “Dead Christ Supported by an Angel” (attributed to Giorgione 1501-1510). The site-specific works are mixed media and utilize aluminum, wax, lead, wood, fabric, resin, and animal skins. Some of.
