From Canvas to Florence: My Journey at the 14th Florence Biennale 2023
In October 2023, my painting I Am You journeyed to Florence — the cradle of the Renaissance — for the 14th Florence Biennale. It was my first time in Italy, and an unforgettable moment where history, art, and empathy came together.
The Duomo — Florence’s heart and inspiration to artists for centuries
A First Step into Florence
October 2023 will always remain etched in my memory — the month I set foot in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. And not just as a traveler, but as an artist invited to participate in the 14th Edition of the Florence Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions.
My painting, I Am You, had been selected for this global showcase. The thrill began the moment I stepped out into the Florentine air — cobbled streets, the sound of church bells, and a city that itself feels like a living canvas. But the true magic awaited at the Biennale venue: the Fortezza da Basso, a historic fortress whose vast halls now brimmed with contemporary voices in art. To know that my work would hang here, in conversation with creations from around the globe, was humbling and exhilarating.
Arriving at the historic Fortezza da Basso — the Biennale venue in Florence.
About The Biennale
The Florence Biennale is one of the most important contemporary art exhibitions in the world, held in the historic city often described as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Since its founding in 1997, the Biennale has grown into a global platform where artists, designers, and creators from across disciplines present their work to an international audience.
Hosted in the iconic Fortezza da Basso, each edition transforms this centuries-old fortress into a vibrant meeting ground of creativity and dialogue. Over the years, the Biennale has welcomed thousands of artists representing more than 80 countries, making it a truly multicultural celebration of art.
The 14th edition, held in October 2023, with the theme “I am You” carried forward this tradition — showcasing painting, sculpture, installation, photography, video art, performance, and digital media. More than just an exhibition, it was a space for exchange: with panel discussions, artist talks, and live performances exploring the role of art in today’s world.
The Story of ‘I Am You’
The artwork I presented, I Am You, is a meditation on empathy and human connection. It was born from my reflections on the invisible threads that bind us together, beyond differences of culture, language, or background. Through textures and colors, I sought to express a simple truth: beneath all diversity lies a shared human essence.
In Florence, standing beside the painting, I watched visitors pause and linger. Some tilted their heads, others smiled, and a few stepped forward to share their thoughts. Each reaction confirmed what I had hoped — that the painting spoke a language of its own, resonating in ways words often cannot.
‘I am You’ — a painting exploring empathy and the invisible threads that connect us all.
The official Florence Biennale 2023 handbook featuring my work ‘I Am You’
INSIDE THE BIENNALE
The Florence Biennale 2023 was far more than an exhibition. It was a living, breathing celebration of creativity.
Walking through the halls of the Fortezza, I encountered works that spanned every medium imaginable — from grand installations you could walk through, to sculptures that seemed to defy physics, to immersive video art transporting viewers to new realities. Each piece carried its own story, adding to a global dialogue of ideas and visions.
Beyond the art itself, the Biennale hosted panel discussions and artist talks that explored the pressing questions of our time: the intersection of art and technology, the role of sustainability in creation, and the ways art shapes cultural identity. Listening to curators and artists from around the world share their journeys felt like being part of an immense table of storytellers.
And then came the surprises — impromptu performances in unexpected corners of the fortress. A dancer bathed in light moving to an ethereal soundscape; musicians whose melodies echoed against the ancient stone walls. These moments blurred the line between viewer and participant, reminding us that art lives not only on canvas but in the spaces between us.
The exhibition halls were alive with global voices in contemporary art
Florence Biennale 2023 exhibition hall
Sharing my story of ‘I Am You’ with visitors and media at the Biennale.
REFLECTIONS AND TAKEAWAYS
Being part of the Florence Biennale was more than an artistic milestone — it was a reminder of the transformative power of art. I came away with three reflections that continue to guide my practice:
Art is universal. No matter where we come from, art allows us to share emotions and ideas without boundaries. I Am You became a bridge of empathy, proving how creativity can connect strangers.
Dialogue enriches creation. Meeting artists from different cultures and disciplines broadened my own perspective, challenging me to think beyond technique and into purpose.
Art and place are inseparable. To showcase work in Florence — a city that has defined artistic history for centuries — was to be reminded that each piece we create adds to an ever-evolving story of humanity.
These takeaways continue to fuel my practice at Studio Monsoon, inspiring me to explore new works that echo these shared values.
The Biennale’s theme “I Am You” echoed deeply with my own artistic vision.
A JOURNEY TO REMEMBER
My first visit to Italy could not have been more profound. The Florence Biennale was not only an opportunity to showcase I Am You, but also a reminder of what it means to belong to a global artistic community.
The venue itself was an artwork — ancient stone harmonizing with contemporary color, centuries of history meeting the present moment. To stand there, hearing the murmur of countless languages and feeling the pulse of creativity, was nothing short of surreal.
To everyone who stopped by my work, thank you for sharing that experience with me. And to Florence — for your beauty, your history, and your warmth — I will carry you with me always.
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The journey of I Am You has only just begun. If you would like to explore the painting further — along with other works from my collection — I invite you to visit Studio Monsoon’s online gallery.
Art, after all, finds its true meaning in the spaces it inhabits and the hearts it touches. I look forward to continuing this journey, sharing new creations, and inviting you to be part of this dialogue.