Nesting Seagull Becomes Unexpected Star of Venice Biennale

"A seagull nesting among the national pavilions of the Venice Biennale has unexpectedly become one of the exhibition's most unexpected attractions. The bird has laid eggs outside Poland's pavilion in the Giardini, prompting bemusement among visitors as photographs circulated online and in the art press."

"According to the Biennale press office, organizers believe this is the first known instance of a seagull nesting in such a prominent area of the exhibition grounds. Officials said they only became aware of the situation after press coverage appeared and added that no formal guidance has been issued to visitors on how to interact with the bird or its nest."

"It is not known who has built a fence around the nest with a warning sign that reads "Attention! Bird Nest," in both English and Italian. Marta Carraro, 43, from Genoa, said it was "curious" and "unexpected" to witness the juxtaposition of crowds, artworks, and a bird that had seemingly claimed its own place at the Biennale."

"Seagulls are not always beloved in Venice, where they are notorious for snatching pizza slices and sandwiches from pedestrians' hands. At the Biennale, however, the bird has acquired the aura of an accidental artwork. Elisabetta, a Venice resident who declined to give her last name, said she found it "cute" and "sensitive" that a fence had been built around the nest."

A seagull laid eggs outside Poland’s pavilion in the Giardini at the Venice Biennale, drawing visitor bemusement and widespread photographs. Organizers said they believe it is the first known instance of a seagull nesting in such a prominent area of the exhibition grounds. They became aware after press coverage appeared and reported that no formal guidance had been issued to visitors on how to interact with the bird or its nest. A fence with a warning sign reading “Attention! Bird Nest,” in English and Italian, was placed around the nest, though the builder was unknown. Some visitors found the scene curious and unexpected, while others described it as cute and sensitive.

Read at Hyperallergic