Comments on the style saloniste: Venetian Dream: My Venice Biennale Report

DEAR ALBAROSA-- That would have been fantastic t...

2017-06-20T10:28:01.651-07:00

DEAR ALBAROSA--

That would have been fantastic to see you....
I did all my research...and then decided not to do Giardini and not to do Arsenale...but rather to focus on specific shows of great interest...Accademia for example and Fortuny.
This plan worked spectacularly...so that I saw magnificent shows...Prada and V-A-C for example--and there were no crowds and no pressure and no 'performance art'..

I loved Venice this time...always do...as my plan always involved museums, churches, basilicas, out of the way places and galleries and events...and tourists stay in San Marco. They do not go in galleries. You are alone enjoying the Bellinis and the Ca' Rezzonico...and the Longhis.

Where are you traveling next? Perhaps we will meet one day somewhere exotic. how lovely.

DIANE

DEAR STEFAN- I'm so glad you liked this piec...

2017-06-20T10:23:44.346-07:00

DEAR STEFAN-

I'm so glad you liked this piece--and will return in October. Fall is beautiful there...calm and quiet and balmy...and you will be able to spend time mostly alone at the Palazzo Fortuny (even have a little rest on Axel's huge sofas).
Dorsoduro...is the perfect neighborhood. I love it. I've also stayed over there ...just near the Academia vaporetto stop.
You will see the Golden Tower sculpture...I hope several times a day as you go back and forth. It is especially glorious with the afternoon sun.
PHILIP GUSTON: At Accademia--it is a superbly curated show...showing the influence of Italian painters on Guston and poetry as well...and I gained a whole new understanding of Guston. The New York Times critics said this was the best show in Venice.
I also loved spending time at the Guggenheim...and returned there several times. have you ever been over to the CINI FOUNDATION? did we discuss this once before? It's over adjacent to San Giorgio Maggiore...take the vaporetto...and you must make an appointment for an English guide...there is a special show there and work by Palladio and a new study library that is modern. There is also an amazing garden and amphitheater on that island...ask about walking in it...most memorable.
V-A-C FOUNDATION...go in the afternoon...beautiful light...you will find it engrossing.
PRADA foundation definitely. and...there are some good shows at Arsenale (mixed bag).
The Splendid--I found dinner there beside the canal very congenial...as Venice hotels seem to be mostly ultra-luxe (like the Gritti) or very olde worlde and dated...Splendid feels fresh, of today. Order the fritto misto...and their salads. I hope the courtyard/ restaurant is open...and be sure to go up on the roof...a rare treat.
happy days--DIANE

HOLLY- I'm so glad you enjoyed the Axel Verv...

2017-06-20T10:15:00.988-07:00

HOLLY-

I'm so glad you enjoyed the Axel Vervoordt concepts and this Venetian adventure.

There is also a catalog (large book) that accompanies the show, and I believe it is on Amazon.. It's large--and has excellent reading on the concepts of intuition and art created in an abstract and intuitive style.
The book also includes images of each piece of art.
I was especially interested in profiling this show--as after ten years it is Axel's last...the end of this grand concept of 5 shows.
Venice is marvelous--when you know where to go to escape the crowds. When people tell you that 'Venice is very crowded'...I always say, escape into the historic churches and galleries and museums...and you may be almost alone there. And...many neighborhoods have just local residents and perhaps a nice quiet cafe or bar. Venice is lovely--and it is easy to find quiet places. wishing you happy travels and happy reading--DIANE

I was in Venice just then! We keep missing each o...

2017-06-20T09:59:52.564-07:00

I was in Venice just then! We keep missing each other. Love your report Diane. Thanks for all the glorious stories.

Thanks for your recommendations Diane, these look ...

2017-06-20T09:27:27.940-07:00

Thanks for your recommendations Diane, these look great! We're returning to Venice in early October because we had such a fabulous trip there this past fall. We're renting an apartment adjacent to the Guggenheim but will be sure to check out the bar and restaurant at that fabulous hotel!

An incomparably beautiful visionary journey into i...

2017-06-20T01:56:40.952-07:00

An incomparably beautiful visionary journey into intuition across times and cultures. Beyond extraordinary. Must reread often to explore and inspire further. Thank you.