Postcards from Venice: the huge history of art

In a special series of Q&As, we check in with students of this year's Venice Summer School (ARTH 380), who spent the month of May immersed in the art scene of the Venice Biennale. Our Postcards from Venice series kicks off with writing and photos by ARTH 380 alumna Sarah Tomkins:

What exhibitions/galleries/artworks stood out for you? Why?

Sarah Tomkins: "The Accademia for sure! Studying art for three years is amazing, but can seem fruitless when you very often don't get the chance to be around that art. Most, if not all, is outside of Canada. Professor Kennedy told us the collection was large, but I was consolatory astounded by their pristine condition and excellent curatorial placement. Genuinely brought me to tears to be around this art, finally!"

What did you perceive about the culture of art in Venice? How is it different from home, and why?

ST: "The Venice art scene is so different from Canada's in how vastly global it is. It is so fascinating to see nearly a hundred countries come together to submit their best contemporary works, and in this event, we are able to see common themes and elements with global reach. Much of Canadian art reckons with colonial histories, and it's interesting to see how this is a global study, one that countries dedicate their time and art to within their own historical contexts. Further, the backdrop of Venetian history gives context that Canadian art simply cannot. Viewing new contemporary art in 600-year-old sites (or older!), or personal collections in sprawling palazzos, truly lets you envision how huge the history of art is."

What are some non-study-related highlights of your time in Italy?

ST: "Lido! Spending time on this French influenced, nearly-tropical, sprawling beach was amazing. Having 3 roommates was amazing too. Nothing gets you closer to people than having such a huge common interest in art, and always having them there to bounce ideas off of."

If you return to Venice, what else is on your must-see list?

ST: "I'd love to get into the tower in San Marco square. Haven't gotten around to it! If I ever come back, I will for sure head to all the neighbouring islands we went to as a class, and be able to explore Basilicas that have been virtually untouched for centuries, and will hopefully remain that way."

Are you an ARTH 380 alum? Get in touch and be a part of our Venice Postcards series: email Jenna Simeonov at jms31@queensu.ca.