Manifesta 12: the present “through the lens of palermo

Amidst the resurgence of the migration debate, manifesta 12 launches in palermo as one of the most important contemporary art shows in the world. Where cultures of three continents meet, the european biennial focuses on the theme of coexistence.

“Through the lens of palermo” it was possible to analyze crisis and geopolitical upheaval phenomena taking place in europe and the world today, said manifesta initiator hedwig fijen at a press conference on friday. This includes not only migration, but also the fight against crime and the effects of climate change.

For visitors, the manifesta is open from sunday to the 4th. November opened. The motto is “the planetary garden. Cultivating coexistence. About 50 artists and collectives show their works and projects. Churches, gardens and historical buildings scattered in and outside the city, some of which had been neglected and closed for decades, serve as exhibition spaces.

This year’s edition is curated by bregtje van der haak from the netherlands, andres jaque from spain, ippolito pestellini laparelli from italy and mirjam varadinis from switzerland.

The dutch artist fijen founded the manifesta, the first show took place in 1996. Since then, the show has toured europe every two years. 200,000 visitors came to the 2016 manifesta in zurich.