Art

Venice Biennale awards Golden Lion to Anna Maria Maiolino and Nil Yalter.

Maxwell Rabb
Nov 3, 2023 6:54PM, via Venice Biennale

Brazilian artist Anna Maria Maiolino and Turkish artist Nil Yalter have been awarded the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement by the Venice Biennale, a testament to their enduring influence and significant contributions to contemporary art. Both artists will be celebrated at the 60th edition of the biennale, titled “Foreigners Everywhere,” during the opening ceremony on April 20, 2024.

Born in Italy in 1942, Anna Maria Maiolino lived an itinerant life, relocating to Venezuela before settling in Rio de Janeiro. Initially carving her legacy in the art world through woodcuts, Maiolino created work across various mediums, including painting and performance. Now, she will present works of clay in installations and sculptures for the upcoming biennale.

Nil Yalter, an autodidactic artist born in Cairo in 1938, relocated several times before settling in Paris. Known for her multifaceted work in painting, sculpture, installation, and video, Yalter will present contemporary renditions of her acclaimed projects “Exile is a hard job” and “Topak Ev” at the biennale.

Adriano Pedrosa, curator of the 60th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale, advocated for the artists, recognizing them as embodiments of the migratory and pioneering spirits celebrated at the event. The Biennale board, presided over by Roberto Cicutto, ratified Pedrosa’s selections. Previous Golden Lion honorees include Katharina Fritsch, Cecilia Vicuña, and El Anatsui.

Maxwell Rabb
Maxwell Rabb is Artsy’s Staff Writer.