CEN1-01. Taking Venice

US/France/Italy, Feature Documentary, 2023, 98 min

At the height of the Cold War, the U.S. government is determined to fight Communism with culture. The Venice Biennale, the world’s most influential art exhibition, becomes a proving ground in 1964. Emboldened by the exploding art scene of ‘60s New York, powerful art dealers hatch a daring plan to make the unknown Robert Rauschenberg the winner of the Grand Prize. The artist is yet to be taken seriously with his combinations of junk off the street and images from pop culture, but he has the potential to dazzle. Deftly pulling off maneuvers that could have come from a Hollywood thriller, the American team leaves the international press crying foul and Rauschenberg questioning the politics of nationalism that sent him there.

Directed by Amei Wallach

Colorado Premiere