Destination Review by NAVIS Magazine.
Nestled between the Po and Piave rivers, right along the Venetian Lagoon, Venice has long been known as a destination full of beauty, majesty, and wonder. She is a city that has enchanted those around the world, calling adventurers everywhere to explore her canals and experience a city that—in many ways—is unlike any other in the world.
Since it was established as the capital and premier city within the Republic of Venice (697-1797), Venice has long played an important role as a proliferator of European art. As you navigate her many nooks and crannies, the eternal beauty of this art becomes immediately apparent. Beyond the many statues and paintings, you’ll find within her domain, you will also discover architecture that has been able to withstand the tests of time. Even in a country such as Italy, who has long been known as one of the art capitals of the world, Venice still stands out, like a diamond in the rough.
Naturally, if there is anywhere in the world that is worthy of hosting a half-year long art festival, it’s Venice. For the 58th time, La Biennal di Venezia has attracted art enthusiasts far and wide, enabling them to witness a seemingly endless array of beautiful works, spread out over many different mediums. The festival, which this year takes place between May 11th and November 24th, is one that has attracted the attention of the entire NAVIS team. Though the time spent experiencing the festival was finite, there is no doubt that the memories made here are sure to last a lifetime.
Getting to Know the Queen of the Adriatic
Venice has long been referred to as the “Queen of the Adriatic,” and from the moment you begin to experience her truly legendary and majestic beauty, it becomes that this nickname is one that is well-earned. Upon our initial arrival, we look around, basking in the glory of the North Italian summer sun and enjoying the energy of a city, unlike any other in the world.
Our hotel, Palazzina Grassi, is located directly upon the well-known—and still well-preserved—Grand Canal. It a hotel that is as charming as it is inviting and is the “only five-story luxury boutique hotel designed by Philippe Starck.” Even upon first glance, it is clear that the design team was able to combine Venice’s timeless aesthetics with the luxuries of the modern era.
The Palazzina Grassi has, rightfully, been described as “a home away from home, a discreet, welcoming and cosmopolitan place with an outstanding atmosphere.” She captures the hospitality that Italians are well-known around the world for having, and represents the perfect place to have a drink, excellent food, and enjoy fantastic views of the Grand Canal. In the words of Philippe Starck, “subversive, ethical, ecological, political, humorous… this is how I see my duty as a designer.” As we stroll around Palazzina Grassi, it becomes clear that the design exceeded the public’s already high expectations. Murano glass, mirrors, and traditional Venetian architecture can be immediately accessed. Even before we begin our venture towards Venice’s world-renowned arts festival, the transcendental beauty of the Adriatic’s Queen cannot be denied.
A Legendary Arts Festival
This year, the title of the Biennale di Venezia—an event that takes place once every two years—is May You Live in Interesting Times. As described by the event’s president, Paolo Baratta, this title may invoke “an invitation to always see and consider the course of human events in their complexity, an invitation, thus, that appears to be particularly important in times when, too often, oversimplification seems to prevail, generated by conformism or fear.”
As we began to indulge the festival, it appears that neither conformism nor fear could possibly be allowed in Venice. The beautiful works of art are nestled throughout the city, each expressive and intriguing in its very own right. Many of the special works of art, referred to as the “collateral pieces” are blended directly into the city, juxtaposing post-modern art with buildings that have been around for centuries.
We see works that challenge contemporary methods of thinking, works that challenge our once-rigid conceptions of form and geometry, and works that make us carefully reconsider what it means to be human in the 21st Century. These are very interesting times, indeed—as we continue wandering through Venice, it appears that we, collectively, are on the verge of redefining the very nature of our being.
Artists have come from all over the world to display their carefully crafted works, allowing the event to have a truly cosmopolitan feel. Ralph Rugoff, the curator for this magnificent event, spared nothing when trying to create a thought-provoking and legendary experience for all to enjoy. He described the Interesting Times approach as one that “focuses on artists who challenge existing habits of thought and open up our readings of objects and images, gestures, and situations.” He later goes on to suggest, “Their work invites us to entertain alternative perspectives, and to discern the ways in which ‘order’ has become the simultaneous presence of diverse orders.”
The sheer diversity and volume of available exhibits, it seems, have taught us lessons and have opened our eyes in a way that seems irreversible.
Living Art, through Architecture and Cuisine
There was seemingly no limit to the amount of beauty and revolutionary works of art that could be found throughout Venice and the surrounding areas. The largest lesson we learned while indulging our every sense is that art has no permanent form. Art has no permanent definition. Art is anything that causes us to feel, to think, to understand the truly limitless amount of beauty in our world. Art is something that can be found in every square inch of Venice and beyond.
Venice has long been known as a “living masterpiece of architecture”; it is a city that not only contains beautiful works of art, but it is a city that exists as a work of art, in and of itself. Upon our return to Palazzina Grassi, we are ready to look at the world with a whole new perspective.
While sitting in Palazzina Grassi’s beautiful rooftop garden, we bask in a sense of serenity, knowing that we will never be able to view our world in such a limited way again. Just as it seems our senses cannot be stimulated any further, Chef Fabio Mani approaches us, ready to deliver a masterfully crafted five-course meal. Once again, the term “art” appears to have transcended an otherwise rigid definition.
There are few places, if any, as sensual and romantic as Venice. The fresh fish, gazpacho, risotto, and sea bass burger were all created with the perfect combination of flavors, allowing us to experience each bite as if it were yet another work of art. The intimate setting of Palazzina Grassi makes it possible to enjoy each course without distractions. Even in a world-renowned city such as Venice, it is still possible to have a moment alone near the Grand Canal.
Of course, no culinary journey to Venice is complete without a visit to Acquerello Restaurant. Located in the San Clemente Palace Kempinski Hotel, this testimony to culinary excellence combines rich traditions, breath-taking views, and a luxury dining experience that has been often referred to as the best in the city. Led by Chef
Giorgio Shifferegger, “diners can enjoy a complete sensory experience, mixing surprising and delightful combinations of local food and exquisite wine.” With fresh vegetables grown in the restaurant’s very own garden and recipes that “reproduce the colors and the emotions of the sunset”, Acquerello Restaurant helps capture the care and craftsmanship that make Venice such a legendary city.
A City Worthy of Universal Acclaim
As our time spent in the Queen of the Adriatic begins to wind down, we cannot believe how transformative and lifechanging this experience truly was. Even in an industry where luxury, fine dining, and attention to detail are the absolute norm, it seems nothing before this adventure has had such a profound impact on the way we view our world. Venice is a city that is already well-known for being one of a kind, comparable to nowhere else and capable of defining itself on its own. But for those who have had a chance to explore her and experience her majesty first-hand, there is no doubt that she is so much more.
As we move forward, we’ll reflect and think about the ways we experience and indulge our world. With the sun setting in the background, it appears that the beauty of Venice—and the important messages she and her brilliant art festival contain—is something that we will be able to carry forward and bring home. Even if there are two more years before we’ll be able to enjoy La Biennale di Venezia again, there is still a part of this experience that transcends place and time. Venice is so much more than a simple destination; it is an essence, it is an idea, it is a revolutionary state of mind.
