Vatican Displays Sound Art at Venice Biennale

Why this is here: The Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale features sound art from creators including Patti Smith and FKA Twigs, a departure from displaying paintings or sculptures.

Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, from Portugal, observed restoration work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment in Rome and then spoke from his Vatican office overlooking Saint Peter’s Square. He connected the classical art surrounding him—the Bernini colonnade and its 140 statues—to contemporary works. Mendonça is curating the Holy See’s pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale, which opened on May 9th.

The pavilion features sound compositions by artists like Meredith Monk and Suzanne Ciani. It also includes work from poets and video artists, diverging from traditional Renaissance paintings and Baroque sculptures. Mendonça believes such art reflects a contemporary expression of faith.

The article notes the full scope of the Biennale exhibit remains unseen, as access is limited to subscribers. It is unclear how visitors will respond to the Vatican’s embrace of avant-garde sound art within the historical context of the Biennale. The work to bridge faith and contemporary art continues.