DE RENAVA – THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART BIENNALE OF BONIFACIO
A Fusion of Art, History, and Culture in Bonifacio
The second edition of De Renava, the International Contemporary Art Biennale is transforming Bonifacio and the Alta Rocca into a pulsating heart of contemporary art. Nestled within an ancient citadel and surrounded by the mesmerizing beauty of the Mediterranean’s natural reserves, De Renava is an ambitious celebration of art, history, and nature.
This year, the Biennale, themed “Roma Amor,” dives deep into the Mediterranean’s rich past to explore the cyclical nature of empires—focusing on their rise and inevitable fall. It’s a thoughtful examination of power dynamics, cultural domination, and the perennial struggle between decadence and emancipation, ruin and renewal. By situating the exhibition within Bonifacio—a city with a storied history of conquests and a temporary home to Napoleon Bonaparte—De Renava bridges the past with the present, inviting attendees to wander through time amidst Bonifacio’s breathtaking heritage.
Featuring 18 international artists alongside emerging local talents, the Biennale is a showcase of equivocal beauty and committed artistry. From the monumental to the conceptual, the artworks prompt a reevaluation of “the empire” not just as a political entity, but as a broader concept of domination deserving scrutiny and reflection. Attendees are encouraged to explore these ideas through a carefully curated selection of works that include multimedia installations, painting, video, sculpture, photography, and dance.
In addition to the main event, De Renava enriches Corsica’s cultural landscape through a variety of initiatives. These include partnerships with major art institutions to bring Mediterranean masterpieces to Bonifacio, off-year exhibitions to maintain an artistic dialogue during Biennale off-seasons, and a planned “Wild Tour” that will guide visitors through art pavilions nestled in the Alta Rocca mountains.
Proudly under the patronage of the French National Commission for UNESCO, this edition of De Renava not only aims to be a significant cultural rendezvous but also an affirmation of the Biennale’s commitment to fostering artistic dialogue, preserving heritage, and making contemporary art accessible to a wider audience. The event promises an enriching experience that goes beyond the visual, challenging perceptions and inviting deep, meaningful engagements with art, history, and the cyclical nature of human civilization.
For more information on visiting hours and ticket prices, please visit derenava-art.com. The event is open to all, with special concessions for art students, individuals under 26, and free admission for those under 18 and Corsican residents. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the confluence of contemporary art and historic legacy at one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful locales.
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