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The Golden Lions

At the 55th International Art Exhibition, Angola is distinguished among the national pavilions for its relection "on the irreconcilability and complexity of site," while Tino Seghal is awarded best artist in show, "opening the field of artistic disciplines".

Last 1 June, the jury of the 55th International Art Exhibition — Venice Biennale, chaired by Jessica Morgan (Great Britain) and comprised of Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy (Mexico), Francesco Manacorda (Italy), Bisi Silva (Nigeria), and Ali Subotnick (United States), announced the awards conferred in this edition of the Biennale. The Golden Lion for best national participation has been awarded to Angola, with Luanda, Encyclopedic City, curated by Beyond Entropy (Paula Nascimento, Stefano Rabolli Pansera) and Jorge Gumbe, with works by Edson Chagas. The jury considered the curators and artist "together reflect on the irreconcilability and complexity of site," remarking how this year particular attention was given to countries that managed to provide original insight into expanded practice within their region. The jury further awarded a special mention to to Lithuania and Cyprus for an original curatorial format bringing together two countries in "a singular experience", as well as a special mention to Japan for a "poignant reflection on issues of collaboration and failure".

The Golden Lion for best artist in the International Exhibition "Il Palazzo Enciclopedico" ("The Encyclopedic Palace") was awarded to Tino Sehgal "for the excellence and innovation that his practice has brought opening the field of artistic disciplines".

Camille Henrot, awarded the Silver Lion for a promising young artist in the International Exhibition "Il Palazzo Enciclopedico" ("The Encyclopedic Palace"). Photo by Italo Rondinella

The Silver Lion for a promising young artist in the International Exhibition "Il Palazzo Enciclopedico" ("The Encyclopedic Palace") was awarded to Camille Henrot, "for contributing a new work that in a sensuous and dynamic manner is able to capture our times".

The jury further awarded two special mentions: to Sharon Hayes, " for making us re-think the importance of alterity and the complexity of the interplay between the personal and public"; and to Roberto Cuoghi, for a "significant and compelling contribution to the International Exhibition".

Padiglione del Giappone — The Japan Pavilion team was also distinguished with a special mention. Photo by Italo Rondinella

Following a proposal by Biennale director Massimiliano Gioni, the board of the Biennale also awarded Golden Lions for Lifetime Achievement to Maria Lassnig (born 1919 in Kappel am Krappfeld, Austria) and Marisa Merz (born 1926 in Turin, Italy).

Marisa Merz, awarded a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. Photo by Italo Rondinella

The team behind the Angola Pavilion, awarded a Golden Lion for best national participation. Photo by Italo Rondinella

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The Golden Lions

At the 55th International Art Exhibition, Angola is distinguished among the national pavilions for its relection "on the irreconcilability and complexity of site," while Tino Seghal is awarded best artist in show, "opening the field of artistic disciplines".

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