Last week, the VIP preview of the 56th International Art Exhibition -- or the Venice Biennale -- came and went like a breeze with the likes of Cate Blanchett and Maurizio Cattelan spotted out at the Arsenale or at prosecco-drenched invite-only parties. Insanely opulent palazzos and hotels hosted a slew of these events, many of which transported us back to medieval times -- were it not for the endless flashes of light emanating from smartphones as guests took selfies among the lavish surroundings. Where the art was concerned, highlights included Ukranian performance artists occupying the Russian pavilion in a performance art demonstration in camo coats; Los Angeles artist Frances Stark, who took home the Absolut Art Award, seen hamming it up with New Museum director Massimiliano Gioni; Eva & Adele launching their glittery pink-and-gold watch line with Swatch; art rockers Xiu Xiu killing it at the Palazzo Grassi; and Armenia winning the biennale’s Gold Lion for best exhibition. But if anyone took home the best party award, it had to be the Austrian pavilion, which had their gala on the island of San Servolo in a monastery-turned-dancefloor that went on to the wee hours. Some were still partying at the airport. Take a look at photos from the whirlwind couple of days, below.
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Russian artist Andrey Bartenev steals the spotlight sashaying through the Giardini
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A performance artist from Crimea participates in the #onvacation project, which occupied the Russian pavilion
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Australian actress and donor Cate Blanchett with Australian artist Fiona Hall at the opening of her exhibition the new Australian pavilion
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Fun fashion in front of the French art pavillion
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Maurizio Cattelan in front of the German pavilion
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French performance artist Orlan with art critic and historian Raphael Cuir
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Venezuelan artist Félix Molina (in mask), who co-represented the Venzuelan pavilion, kissing a fan inside of an anonymous public art piece
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German performance artists Eva & Adele approach their exhibition at the Arsenale Nord, where they launched their own watch with Swatch
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The monastery-turned-dance floor at the Austrian party on San Servolo island
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Balaclava-clad performer and baby in a piece by Argelia Bravo at the Venezuelan pavilion
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The High Visibility Burqa performance piece by Marco Biagini on the Giardini pier
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Berlin performance artist and rapper Candy Ken with Bonnie Strange at the airport
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Xiu Xiu playing live at the Palazzo Grassi
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