‘A curatorial masterclass’ – the 59th Venice Biennale, reviewed

At the beginning of every International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale – distinct from all the collateral events and art shown in the national pavilion – is a large piece of wall text that explains the year’s theme – and boasts about how many countries are represented by the artists in the exhibition. It feels like a challenge: do you dare to doubt this exhibition’s relevance when it represents work from so many different places? It’s as though it seeks to neuter any criticism with accusations of parochialism. This year, the curator has plucked works by 213 artists from 58 countries. How do you like them apples?

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