Francisco Souto, Cather Professor of Art and Director of the School of Art, Art History & Design, attended the opening of the 2024 Venice Biennale in April, where he is exhibiting his work.
The Venice Biennale is an international cultural exhibition hosted in Venice, Italy, by the Biennale Foundation and includes art and architecture exhibitions, as well as music, dance and film festivals.
Souto’s work is included in the European Cultural Centre’s biennial of contemporary art exhibition titled “Personal Structures,” which is on display through Nov. 24. A wide selection of artworks from internationally renowned and emerging artists, photographers and sculptors are featured.
Souto is the first Nebraska artist to show at the Venice Biennale, the world’s largest and most prestigious art exhibition.
“I was surprised,” Souto said of his selection to participate in “Personal Structures.” “I didn’t know how to react. It was kind of mixed emotions, but more than anything, it’s such an honor that people are paying attention to the work, and that, to me, is the biggest reward. People refer to the Venice Biennale as the Olympics for art. It’s huge.”
Souto said this was a welcome recognition for the hard work he has put into his artwork for decades.
“When you are working on an exhibition, you work in your studio alone in solitude, and you’re thinking you’re doing the best you can, but you never know until your work is up,” Souto said. “I’m going to keep pushing for higher ends, that’s my duty as a maker. I want to do the best because the resources are there, the financial and emotional support is there. That’s what allows me to do this level of work.”