Ending in Venice, 2019 - ongoing: A Multifaceted Exploration of Human Relations, Environmental Urgency, and Urban Intervention
"Ending in Venice, 2019 - ongoing" by Analize Nicolini is a profound exploration of the delicate balance between human relations, environmental sustainability, and the impact of mass tourism on urban spaces. This work, deeply rooted in the unique and fragile context of Venice, arises from Nicolini’s growing interest in the dynamics of human interaction and the pressing environmental issues of our time. Touched by the "No Grandi Navi" movement and her observations of the elderly living on the island, Nicolini embarked on this project as a reflection on the natural proximity to the end of life—a theme she explores starting from the specific, peculiar case of Venice to broader, universal concerns.
The project began with Act 1 – The Invasion on February 8, 2020, when Nicolini, clad in a catsuit and mask emblazoned with the iconic Pac-Man character, interfered in the urban daily life of Venice. This performance was not merely a visual spectacle but a pointed commentary on the consumption and invasion of public spaces, reflecting the voracious nature of unchecked tourism. By embodying Pac-Man, a character known for its relentless consumption, Nicolini juxtaposed the playful imagery with a critical reflection on the dehumanizing effects of mass tourism on both the city's infrastructure and its inhabitants.
Central to "Ending in Venice" is a triptych of posters, each bearing imperative phrases designed to provoke thought and action: “Don’t spit on the floor,” translated into all languages except Japanese; “Non cucinare merda per i turisti” (“Don’t cook shit for tourists”), only in Italian; and “Keep the good example,” translated into all languages. These phrases, reflecting Nicolini's experience in the city—which she describes as both fascinating and terrifying—serve as universal directives and localized critiques, engaging the public in a dialogue about respect, sustainability, and coexistence.
The project continued to evolve with Act 2 - Call to Action, a phase that began in 2022 and extended into the pre-opening of the 60th Venice Biennale in April 2024. In this act, Nicolini expanded her engagement with the public by offering printed versions of her posters for download and distribution, inviting the audience to become active participants in spreading her message. The posters, available in a portable format, were also displayed at exhibitions such as Nos Resta Ser Feliz at SOMA Gallery in Curitiba and Daqui de Onde Estou at We Exhibit in Venice. Visitors were encouraged to take copies of the posters, transforming them into agents of the project’s ongoing call to action.
During the pre-opening of the 60th Venice Biennale, Nicolini resumed this act by distributing her posters on Via Garibaldi over three days, from dawn until early afternoon. This renewed action was not just about the distribution of artwork; it was an opportunity for Nicolini to engage directly with passersby, sharing knowledge about artistic expression, its fundamentals, and intentions. Through this interaction, Nicolini continued her exploration of a central research question: "Is art capable of transforming behaviors?"
"Ending in Venice" is not merely an artwork; it is an evolving project that blurs the boundaries between art and activism. Its ability to be cross-listed under multiple categories—Performance Art, Sculpture and Installation, Environmental / Land Art, and Urban Art and Street Art—speaks to its multifaceted nature. By engaging with the work on these different levels, viewers are invited to consider the complex interplay of artistic expression, environmental stewardship, and urban intervention. Nicolini's work challenges us to rethink our role in the world, urging us to recognize the power of art to not only reflect society but to actively shape it
