In 1942, while Christopher Columbus discovered the New World, Venice was living its maximumsplendour and had a primary role in exchanges between the far east and the western world.That moment, began, in a very imperceptible way, to decrete the fall of the “Serenissima”. Venice had been a melting pot, an encounter between cultures of the far east, northern Europe, and the Mediterranean Basin. Its role, universally acknowledged, was constantly present in the architectural, cultural and economic relations between peoples. The shifting of all commercial routes out of the Mediterranean Basin, eventually, relegated Venice to a role limited to the Adriatic Sea, marginal respect the past. The world’s trade routes moved towards the bigger harbours of the Atlantic Ocean. Until then Venice had had its own philosophy and a very particular way of approaching the “foreigner”, (whoever came from outside its boundaries), the Venitians adapted themselves to the local mentality, penetrating it with their own, englobing all the better aspects of different cultures, thus giving life to many examples of cohabitation between them. New architectures, fruit of the combination of various styles, all of which can be seen in Venice, and the whole east Mediterranean area, arose. The most important examples can be seen in the Basilica of St. Markus and the Palazzo Ducale. The same can be said regarding other aspects of venitian life, such as its cuisine, music, art and sculpture. In everyone of these fields we can find examples of conviviality between the far East and Northern Europe.
Marco Polo travelled to the far East where he was appreciated for his adaptability, and returned to Venice with many innovative ideas, bearing messages of peace and toleranca, which was the basis on which every commercial relationship was founded and sustainable development, (maybe not strictly identified as in modern terms), was always the Republic’s goal. Venice shows that the correct use of all resources and adaptability are nothing but the two faces of the same medal; cooperation between development and exploitation of all resources was possible even with the limited means of that time. The Republic’ s survival depended on the perfect conservation and use of its territory. The expansion of its dominion was strictly connected to its cultural diffusion but, also, to the ability to adapt itself to the mentality of its citizens, which became an integral part of their life. This mentality proved to be of great significance: Venice, open door towards the far East, presents the western world of its trades and the magnificence of its dominions.
Unfortunately, the decadence of the Republic, due to the shifting of commercial interests outside the Mediterranean basin, deeply influenced its colonial mentality. Conquered lands were occupied and imposed upon, the colonies were exploited only from an economical point of view, and the citizens treated as subjects on which to impose its own culture; therefore local cultures disappeared.
The encounter between East and West; a theme of great interest today! Sustainable development between different cultures and economies could still be possible, but at the roots of the project it would be necessary to place tolerance, taking example from who in the past, was able to coniugate commerce, culture, the imposition of laws, and a total respect of other peoples’ customs.
The “Repubblica Serenissima” died so, when it was the door to the far East, opened by the West.
I would like to conclude thanking the Fenice Hotels S.r.l. and Fenice S.p.a once again for making this event possible. Many thanks to all artists who, year after year, contribute to the success of the contest, making every succeeding appointment a challenge, as the theme becomes more and more complex, not only for them!

Bergamo, settembre 2004
The Curator
Giacomo Pellegrini

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