Aussie artists hit Venice for six

The opening of the Australian artists’ exhibitions at the Venice Biennale has been an outstanding success, says Australian commissioner John Kaldor.

Thousands of international arts curators and critics have seen the works of two of the six Australian artists at the Biennale overnight.

Over 700 people attended the opening Australian celebration on the evening of Wednesday 6 June, and over 15,000 people attended the professional previews over the Vernissage period.

Callum Morton’s work was opened immediately prior to the opening celebration at the Palazzo Zenobio and Daniel Von Sturmer’s works filled the Australian Pavilion.

Susan Norrie's work will open on the evening of the 7 June, with the three Australian artists works in Robert Storr’s curated exhibition also opening today.

Australian Commissioner John Kaldor said the successful opening was testament to the quality of the artists involved.

'President of the Venice Biennale David Cruffe came last night to the Australian party - Callum Morton’s was the only exhibition outside the Giardini that he wanted to see,' he said.

'Our warmest congratulations go to Susan, Callum and Daniel for presenting works that are both compelling and challenging. Australia’s representation is certainly making its mark in Venice.'

'The artists and their exhibition teams have worked tirelessly to present to the world’s most important critics the excellence and diversity of contemporary Australian art.'

The Australia Council for the Arts has managed and funded Australian representation at the Biennale since 1954 and has featured artists such as Judy Watson, Bill Henson, Howard Arkley, Lyndal Jones, Patricia Piccinini and Ricky Swallow.