London Biennale 2023

The London Biennale is a “museum level” curated art show held every two years in the iconic Chelsea Old Town Hall Building. I attended for the first time this year.

What is in a name?

I do wonder why those chose to have this exhibition only once every other year.

I wrote out a few thoughts but I think it all comes down to the fact though “annuale” is the Italian word for annual, it doesn’t sound nearly as cool as “biennale”. The fact that bien also means well definitely sealed the deal.

In an unrelated note that somehow seems relevant at 9pm on a Saturday as I write this

I am reminded of time that I was questioning why people we’re supposed to donate 10% of earnings to the church. In my mind “tithe” had always meant donation to the churn but it turns out that tithe literally means one tenth.

So the London Biennale happens once every two years and people give 10% to the church because they are tithing - it’s all right there in the name.

What is in a London Biennale?

The Chelsea Old Town Hall is a lovely building, one that other Town Halls really should look up to as an example.

During the Biennale it is filled with art from both emerging and exhibiting artists from around the globe.

I was really impressed with the selection of work.

Here are clips from my favourites:

Ferenc Tenesvári, Hungary, Devouring of Time

Limpika Lilac, Israel, Bon Appetit

Ann Moses, UK, Justin

Breanna Gordon, Canada, Deep Chaos Within

Angelique Benicio, USA, Things Unseen

Tom Jeffers, UK, Portrait of Louisa Jeffers

Marta Hirschfeld, Poland, Self-Portrait

The two works above seen here with less reflection

Hyojin Kim, South Korea, At This Moment

Here is the full list of the 2023 selected artists for you to peruse.

Which is your favourite painting?