In September Anna, Lucie and Paul indulged in 4 days doing pretty much nothing but looking at contemporary art. First stop, the Giardini where we waited in line at the British Pavilion to see Steve McQueen's film, also called 'Giardini'. Then off to Roman Ondak's transformation of the Czech/Slovak pavilion into a walk-through continuation of the Giardini's gravel path with shrub planting to either side which was thought to be a little humorous..... There were lots of pieces to see in what was once called the palazzo delle esposizioni, now an all-purpose exhibition hall, showing Tomas Saraceno, a room that contained a sculpture that you have to pick your way through like a nightmarish, 3D spider web. The Biennale continued in the Arsenale. It was overwhelming and we suggest you take more than just a few days.

Besides the art, one unexpected surprise this year was the identity. The theme was Fare Mondi/Making Worlds. So obvious an idea, the graphic design language developed for the exhibit, shows how well known symbols - the national flags of the world - can be broken down to form basic shapes that display unexpected painterly qualities. A new visual language emerged allowing for repetition and difference that produced an infinite variation. Ideal for representing each of the pavilions. See for yourself.

And finally, if you're a lover of all things beautiful and you're planning on visiting Venice the one thing you must see is the In-Finitum at the Palazzo Fortuny – Miro, James Turrell, Rothko, Dumas, Egyptian ancient sculpture and more - all wonderfully displayed among the treasures of Fortuny's studio. The whole thing is a huge treat.

Lucie, Anna and Paul

We will be there again in 2 years at the 54th International Art Exhibition. See you there.