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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Lanre Bakare in Venice

Dark clouds, protests and resignations dampen start of 61st Venice Biennale

Giant mural of woman on side of building
A Derrick Adams mural opposite the entrance to the Arsenale in tribute to Koyo Kouoh, the event’s curator, who died last year. Photograph: Andrea Avezzu/Derrick Adams Studio Photo: Andrea Avezzù Courtesy Gagosian

The 61st Venice Biennale vernissage began on Tuesday under grey clouds and rain showers, as political tension, parties and protest dominated proceedings at one of the art world’s biggest events.

Lubaina Himid, the British entrant, who has spent a career creating work that picks at her country’s colonial past, took over the UK’s pavilion with her large-scale paintings and sound collage that recalls a “perfect British summer’s day”.

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