Photo: via Instagram/ @yvonneforce.
The 56th Venice Biennale has officially begun, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the artworks being unveiled, the events getting underway, and the art world elite enjoying this revered exhibition (see Everything You Need To Know About the Venice Biennale 2015). It seems like anyone who’s anyone is making a pit stop to this beautiful Italian city. And of course, it’s an opportunity for artists, patrons, and aficionados of all stripes to put their best, and often most outlandish, foot forward.
Thus far, we’ve spotted Vanessa Beecroft’s many stunning models draped in Valentino for her performance in the Italian pavilion (above), the regal Cate Blanchett stepping out, Russian socialite Maria Baibakova, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Simon Denny transforming the Marco Polo Airport, and Joan Jonas walking her dog in front of the American pavilion (see Get a Sneak Peek Inside the 56th Venice Biennale on Instagram). Even Britney Spears makes an unlikely cameo. Taking to social media, here’s our selection of some of the most extravagant, eccentric, and whimsical things we’ve seen thus far.
Photo: via Instagram/@creativetimenyc.
Vik Muniz’s paper boat—the art world’s version of the gondola.
Photo: via Instagram/ @atpdiary.
Representing New Zealand, Simon Denny’s contribution includes this futuristic skull head piece installed in the historic Marciana Library.
artist Andre Baratenev at the Russian pavilion.
Photo: via Instagram/@vasilitseteli.
Google Andrey Bartenev and you’ll find a flurry of images featuring the Russian-born artist’s insanely creative sartorial choices, which are second only to Lady Gaga. The artist was seen outside the Russian Pavilion wearing a baseball cap, round sunglasses, and this kooky ruffled owl-print outfit.
Britney Spears makes a cameo at the Spanish Pavilion.
Photo: via Instagram/@bunjigreen.
Your girl Britney Spears makes a startling cameo at the Spanish Pavilion.
Photo: via Instagram/@jr.
JR’s stunning bird’s-eye view of Venice.
Photo: via Instagram/@_ekaterina_klim
Although Vincent Meessen’s audience for his tour may seem enthused in a severe Italian fashion-mafia sort of way, curator Hans Ulrich Obrist seizes the moment for a giddy photo op.
“#pamelarosenkranz at the #swisspavillion #venicebiennale2015” – @mrmattiadeluca
In Pamela Rosenkranz’s show at the Swiss pavilion, “Our Product,” the artist worked with master perfumers Dominique Ropion and Frederic Malle to create a giant pool of scented liquid that represents the Central European skin color.
Photo: via Instagram/@atpdiary.
Providing an appropriately art-filled entrance to Venice, Simon Denny’s work (representing New Zealand) transforms the floor of the Marco Polo Airport with imagery taken from the ceiling of the nearby historic Marciana Library. At the library, the artist has also installed sculptures. (See Simon Denny Insists That People Want Art With Substance and Depth.)
Francis Sultana at Harry’s Bar.
Photo: via Instagram/@spasroussev.
All you need to do for the most extravagant photo-op ever, apparently, is just have a seat somewhere in Venice (preferably at Harry’s Bar if your wallet can accommodate). You’ll be seeing a lot of these pictures throughout your Instagram feed, further inflaming our already raging FOMO.
Eva and Adele at the British Pavilion.
Photo: via Instagram/ @katarinaschwarz9.
Who doesn’t love spotting Eva and Adele at any art world event? They truly hail from another place and time.
Joan Jonas.
Photo: via Instagram/@passerbystop.
Joan Jonas walks her dog: the calm before the storm at the American Pavilion, where her artwork is installed.
Photo: via Instagram/@theartnewspaper.official.
Screen goddess Cate Blanchett visited the Australian pavilion to pay tribute to her roots.
Gavin Brown (center) and friends.
Photo: via Instagram/@Andrearosengal.
New York-dealer Gavin Brown jokes around with friends.
Photo: via Instagram/@yvonneforce.
Argentinian artist Mika Rottenberg’s video work at the Arsenale features flowers, pearls, bubbles, computers, and… feet. Wacky.
Photo: via Instagram/@lusineo.
Danh Vo distilled this special edition of tequila for the Danish pavilion. Could someone be so kind to air freight some over to us? We’re pretty thirsty. (See Danh Vo Brings Tequila to Venice for First Artist-Curated Punta della Dogana Exhibition.)