Graphic Arts Biennial
Ljubljana, Slovenia: August-October 2017 Nestled among a medieval castle and a slow- curving river, the city of Ljubljana is a treasure trove of art and culture, which typically remains calmly under the radar for jet-setting art aficionados. Yet the Slovenian capital plays host to one of the coolest events on this list: the Biennial of Graphic Arts. Originally dedicated solely to printmaking techniques and works on paper, the fair now includes various forms of media and expands throughout several locations in the city such as the Moderna Galerija and an estate in Tivoli Park. The previous biennial was curated by Nicola Lees—formerly head of Frieze Projects—so it has street cred on this side of the map as well.
Amsterdam Art Weekend
Amsterdam, The Netherlands: 23-26 November 2017
The annual Amsterdam Art Weekend is a four-day event, which lures art enthusiasts beyond the Van Gogh Museum and into the city’s cultural nooks and crannies. It may nearly be the briefest event on this list, but it certainly does not fall short in terms of programming. From contemporary galleries along the canals to installations in spaces like the Oude Kerk—the city’s oldest church—the weekend is packed full with artistic attractions. One highlight in particular is the opening party at the Stedelijk Museum, which transforms the exhibition halls into a stylish soireé that buzzes late into the night. The internationally renowned Rijksakademie also opens up the studios of its fine art programme, giving visitors a rare glance into the work-in-progress of its students before they become the next big thing.
Curator Bisi Silva during the opening of El Anatsui’s exhibition ‘Meyina’ at the Prince Claus Fund Gallery (Amsterdam Art Weekend 2016). Photo: Maarten van Haaff
La Biennale de Lyon
Lyon, France: 20 September 2017 until 7 January 2018
Known for its wandering streets, sweet praline pastries and amazing collection of impressionist paintings at the Muesée des Beaux Arts, the picturesque town of Lyon comes alive with performance, dance, poetry and music as part of its biennial fair. This year’s theme is ‘La Vie Moderne’, which will bring together 60 artists from 28 countries to creatively present their perspective on the world today. Lyon is enchanting at any time of year, but schedule your visit during the annual Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) in December and you will be in for a truly spectacular stay.
Engadin Art Talks
Zuoz, Switzerland: January 2018 The small village of Zuoz is nestled in the Engadine Valley of the Swiss Alps near St. Moritz. Albeit remote, it is surprisingly filled with with some of the best art galleries east of Basel, and every year in January its cobbled streets are filled with artists, collectors, and curators for the two-day Art Talks event. In some ways this weekend can be considered the art world’s best kept secret because it gives participants a casual chance to mingle and chat with some of the most influential contemporary figures. The programme includes artist presentations, panel discussions, and performances, led by London’s own Hans Ulrich Obrist, director of the Serpentine Galleries, and Beatrix Ruf of the aforementioned Stedelijk Museum. The Alpine setting makes the event all the more unique, so if you are keen on skiing you can even hit the slopes during the coffee break!
Alexine Rodenhuis is a curator, art advisor and writer who happily calls London her home base. She has nearly ten years of
experience within the contemporary art world and has recently developed projects in London, Berlin, New York and Venice. More details can be found at
www.alexinerodenuis.com or
a.rodenhuis@
gmail.com.
www.focus-info.org FOCUS The Magazine 9
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