Podcast Summary: "Foreigners Everywhere: Adriano Pedrosa and Yana Peel"

Release Date: August 27, 2024
Podcast: CHANEL Connects
Host: Yana Peel
Guest: Adriano Pedrosa, Artistic Director of the São Paulo Museum of Art and Curator of the 60th Venice Biennale

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of CHANEL Connects, host Yana Peel engages in a profound conversation with Adriano Pedrosa, the esteemed artistic director of the São Paulo Museum of Art and the curator behind the 60th Venice Biennale. The episode delves deep into Pedrosa's visionary approach to curating one of the world's most prestigious art exhibitions, exploring themes of foreignness, inclusivity, and the representation of underrepresented artists from the Global South.

The Essence of the 60th Venice Biennale

Yana Peel opens the dialogue by highlighting the significance of the Venice Biennale as a global art event. She sets the stage by referencing Gabrielle Chanel’s villa, La Pausa, tying the artistic legacy of the past to the current conversations within the Biennale.

Adriano Pedrosa responds with enthusiasm, emphasizing the enormous privilege of inviting a diverse array of artists to the Biennale. He states:

"It's such a unique experience, an enormous privilege, really, to be able to invite so many artists and to bring so many artworks to what is arguably the most important visible part for contemporary art and art in general in terms of exhibitions."
[02:13]

Theme: "Stranieri Ovunque" (Foreigners Everywhere)

Pedrosa unveils the theme of the exhibition, "Stranieri Ovunque," inspired by the works of Claire Fontaine. He elaborates on the duality of the theme—external foreignness and internal feelings of being an outsider:

"The expression 'foreigners everywhere' has a poetic message that wherever one goes, one is always surrounded by foreigners. But on the other hand, one is always somehow a foreigner deep down inside."
[03:12]

This theme is dissected into four core subjects:

1. Queer Artist
2. Outsider Artist
3. Foreigner
4. Indigenous Artist

These categories form the Nucleo Contemporaneo, a contemporary nucleus aimed at redefining the narrative within the Biennale. Additionally, Pedrosa introduces the Nucleo Storico, a historical section that juxtaposes past and present artistic movements.

Representation and Inclusion

Pedrosa underscores the unprecedented diversity of the exhibition, featuring over 80 artists from various countries. He highlights his mission to elevate visibility for artists from the Global South, including both contemporary and 20th-century figures who have not previously been showcased at the Biennale. Reflecting on the historical exclusivity of the event, he remarks:

"In the last couple of decades, the Biennale has always been organized by Europeans and North Americans. They are often including contemporary artists from Latin America, from Africa, from the Middle East, from Asia. That does not happen so much to the 20th century."
[08:21]

Spotlight on Notable Artists

Pedrosa discusses the inclusion of significant historical artists who are now represented posthumously, aimed at providing them with the recognition they deserve. Among these, he highlights:

• Amrita Sher-Gil (India) – "presented for the first time."
  [05:21]

• Frida Kahlo – Celebrated for her enduring influence, also included for the first time.
  [05:21]

• Taksila do Marao – "first time participating."
  [05:21]

These inclusions mark a significant shift towards inclusive historical representation, challenging the traditional Eurocentric focus of the Biennale.

Awards: Golden and Silver Lions

Pedrosa shares insights into the selection of Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement, honoring artists who embody the exhibition's themes:

1. Niu Yauther – Egyptian-born, Turkish artist based in Paris since the 1960s. Her work explores feminism, migration, and East-West relationships.
   [14:23]

2. Ana Maria Maiolino – Italian-born artist residing in Brazil, known for her work in sculpture, painting, drawing, video, and installation.
   [14:23]

These awards celebrate artists who have significantly contributed to the discourse on foreignness and cultural hybridity.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Endeavors

Yana Peel and Adriano Pedrosa discuss the collaborative nature of the Biennale, emphasizing the continuous discovery of artists and the privilege of working closely with both historical and emerging talents. Pedrosa mentions ongoing projects and future exhibitions, reflecting his commitment to expanding the institution's reach and influence:

"Next year, in March, we are opening an additional building... in December, I'm co-curating the full sort of international group show devoted to queer histories."
[18:00]

Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with lighter, personal anecdotes as Pedrosa shares his fondest memories of Venice, including favorite restaurants and personal experiences at past Biennales. He humorously suggests using his name to secure reservations at his preferred restaurant, Nevodi:

"Maybe try that. Maybe try that."
[21:37]

Yana Peel wraps up the conversation by congratulating Pedrosa on his extraordinary curation and expressing gratitude for his contributions to art and culture.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Adriano Pedrosa on the uniqueness of curating the Biennale:
  "It's such a unique experience, an enormous privilege, really, to be able to invite so many artists and to bring so many artworks to what is arguably the most important visible part for contemporary art and art in general in terms of exhibitions."
  [02:13]

• Pedrosa on the poetic message of "foreigners everywhere":
  "The expression 'foreigners everywhere' has a poetic message that wherever one goes, one is always surrounded by foreigners. But on the other hand, one is always somehow a foreigner deep down inside."
  [03:12]

• On including historical artists from the Global South:
  "That's why I thought it was quite relevant to try to bring so many of these pioneers, iconic figures in their own contexts, right from the global south to the Biennale."
  [08:21]

• Pedrosa reflecting on artist discovery:
  "The surprises are always the artists and the works that you discover and that you encounter."
  [13:00]

Conclusion

This episode of CHANEL Connects offers a comprehensive look into Adriano Pedrosa's groundbreaking work in curating the 60th Venice Biennale. Through his efforts, Pedrosa not only broadens the representation of artists from diverse backgrounds but also redefines the themes of foreignness and identity in contemporary art. His vision fosters a more inclusive and dynamic art world, bridging historical legacies with present-day innovations.

Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for the intricate processes behind major art exhibitions and the pivotal role of curators in shaping cultural narratives.