Latin American art shines at the prestigious Venice Biennale

On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the Miami New Media Festival showcases Latin American video art at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, reflecting on global narratives of identity and migration.

This year, the Miami New Media Festival (MNMF) celebrates a major milestone: its 20th anniversary. The festival, known for its dedication to avant-garde digital and video art, is held in Venice's majestic Palazzo Bembo as part of the “Personal Structures” exhibition organized by the European Cultural Center (ECC). This edition coincides with the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, the most important artistic event worldwide, which makes this anniversary especially momentous for MNMF.

Since its inception, the MNMF, promoted by the Arts Connection Foundation (ACF) since 2006, has been evolving since its beginnings as an International Video Art Festival in Venezuela. Founded by artists Asdrúbal Colmenárez, Adriana Barrios, Gerardo Zavarce and Andreina Fuentes Angarita, the festival has now firmly established its base in Miami. Over the years, it has become a fundamental platform for artists exploring new technologies such as video art, animation, digital art, augmented reality, video mapping and the use of electronic devices.

This year's festival theme, “Strangers Everywhere,” reflects the theme of the Biennale and explores the concept of alienation and identity through a special selection of video art spanning the festival's two-decade history. This selection includes moving works from countries as diverse as Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Portugal, Venezuela and the United States, showcasing a rich tapestry of narratives that resonate with global audiences, particularly touching on themes relevant to the Latin American diaspora and beyond.

One of the highlights of this edition is the participation of the Foods of War collective, made up of Hernán Barros, Omar Castañeda and Andreina Fuentes Angarita. They presented “Journey of Labels”, a video performance that challenges the iconic Venetian tradition of the gondolier. This performance rewrites the narrative by featuring dark-skinned men in the role of gondoliers, leading viewers to reflect on the power of art to dismantle barriers and foster dialogues about equality and social justice. This piece, supported by Refugees Welcome Italia, includes performances in various Venetian venues, effectively turning the city into a stage for critical engagement with issues of immigration and identity.

Throughout its 20 years of history, MNMF has cultivated an artistic ecosystem that has supported more than 210 artists and creators from more than 15 countries. It has extended its network throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia, with exhibitions in cities such as Miami, Rome, Venice, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Caracas, Maracaibo, Valencia, San Cristóbal, Mérida, Lima, Bogotá. , Santo Domingo, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

MNMF is unique in that it imposes no restrictions on the nationality or residence of its artists, allowing it to exhibit a wide range of over 700 videos, installations, 3D digital artworks and performances. Each year, the festival promotes reflection on different curatorial proposals, addressing a wide range of topics, from global concerns to specific cultural narratives, further consolidating its role as a promoter and advocate for pressing global issues.

The inclusion of Latin American artists and themes in an event as prestigious as the Venice Biennale not only highlights the vibrant cultural production of the region, but also brings important debates about migration, identity and the role of digital media in art. to a global audience. MNMF's continued commitment to these issues is particularly poignant at a time when discussions about identity and belonging are more relevant than ever.

As the Miami New Media Festival continues to evolve, it remains a beacon for innovative art and a platform where Latin American voices can engage with global audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse and dynamic nature of contemporary art in our interconnected world. .

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