So this is day number two on the art/party marathon that is the Biennale and I am reporting for you blog lovers live from the Bauer Hotel, where I have retreated for an afternoon nap and a plate of mozzarella di bufala. Venice is one stunning Venice during the Biennale and the word “intense” doesn’t quite do it justice! So much too see, so little time to spend, so much patience needed. Patience for all the schmoozing and greeting, patience to get into many of the pavillions that are making their VIPs queue to get in. Patience to stomach the heat and the constant into the gondola, out of the gondola. In short, unless you’ve got Lance Armstrong’s cardio, you will struggle. Patience also for the astronomical prices. Everything costs a fortune. I was reminded of this when I walked into a shop and tried on a golden snake bracelet I could have picked up on Portobello road. The price tag? €65,000! Wow, I knew I had expensive taste but that’s beyond!

Wim Delvoye's tower

I arrived here yesterday morning and went straight to the Guggenheim reception for the fabulous Wim Delvoye who was presenting his incredibly meticulous medieval tower which sits proudly overlooking the water. We were too late for the opening but still saw the artist, who gave us a private tour and even led us around the giftshop showing us his range of crazy “grown-up” toys. From there we hit the Gardini for a first glimpse of the 53th Biennale.

I was already dragging my feet since I had been up since 7 in the morning. The International Pavillion curated by Daniel Birnbaum was by far my favourite.

I escaped to my hotel room at the Bauer for a quick power nap after wandering along the canal for ages with the Sicilian curator who would not leave my side nor arm for that matter. Jesus the things you put up with for art’s sake!

I had a realxing dinner with my mother and a friend before hitting the Bauer terrace for drinks. This was, without a doubt, the place to be. More and more familiar faces kept pouring in to enjoy the warm evening, the beautiful view onto the canal with its gondolas cruising passed surrounded by the magnificent palazzos. Venice is breathtaking. I think of one of the slogans printed on one of the many giftbags shuved at me at the entrance of the Gardini: “In Venice you can fall in love with a lamp post.”

I haven’t found my lamp post yet but the Sicilian curator seems to have chosen me as his. It’s fun to see so many of my friends from all over reunited in such an amazing setting.

Today was even tougher. More art in the Gardini, greater heat, a quick whizz through the younger show at the Arsinale and now, I am getting ready for the biggest marathon of all the parties of the nights. I have rarely had so many good invitations all at once, it’s absurd. I will keep you posted from the road. It is bound to be a colourful and exciting (and slightly annoying) evening. I just hope my feet will carry me. Xx

Nathalie Djurberg's flower installation

Me with my friend (and participating artist) Olympia Scarry

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 4th, 2009 at 5:33 pm and is filed under Princess Diaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.