Is any city better suited to hosting a major international art show than Venice? Millions of people come to experience its many artistic gems located in just as many architectural wonders. Despite the crowds preoccupied with taking selfies to try and eternalise themselves in the City of Bridges, it was fortunately still possible to enjoy extraordinary art this year during the 61st La Biennale di Venezia. Before going to the hustle and bustle of the Giardini and Arsenale to see the pavilions, I decided first to visit two amazing exhibitions presented by the Pinault Collection: Michael Armitage. The Promise of Change at the Palazzo Grassi and Lorna Simpson. Third Person at Punta della Dogana. Kenyan-British artist Michael Armitage presented forty-five paintings at the Palazzo Grassi, including newly-created pieces, and over one hundred studies that reveal his complex and vibrant pictorial language. His work addresses issues of our time, including socio-political tensions, violence, alluring ideologies and the global migration crisis. His choice of subject matter and interpretive undertones share great expressive power. He believes that art should not ignore reality but must instead grapple with it and so he certainly does not avoid violent and harsh themes. We are aware of some of the material from television but now, seen in his paintings, it hit me really hard and engendered some uncomfortable feelings. The exhibition Lorna Simpson: Third Person at Punta della Dogana made me feel happy because, as a photographer myself, I love her unique, bold and conceptual approach to photography. Furthermore, expanding her practice over the years to incorporate installation, film, video, ink drawings and paintings makes her, in my eyes, a consummate artist. I also admire the fact that Lorna Simpson has never been afraid to take on new mediums or risk mistakes, and that’s how a true artist should be. There are too many who too often merely repeat their successful bestsellers You can discover my artistic impressions of my visit on the following pages.