What is the Venice Biennale and why is everyone talking about it? β The Venice Biennale is largely considered one of the most important art exhibitions in the world. Located in Venice, Italy, the exhibition is sort of like the art world's Olympics - each country chooses a single artist as a representative and that artist is given a "pavilion" to show their work. This year, there are over 136 artists and 53 countries showing. There are also many satellite and pop up exhibitions. Here are Autre's picks for the top exhibitions. 1. U.K. artist Sarah Lucas presents 'I Scream Daddio' for the British Pavilion 2. The late Mario Merz will be holding an exhibition, entitled 'Unreal City,' at the Gallerie dellβAccademia di Venezia 3. The late, great Cy Twombly will have an exhibition entitled 'Paradise' at Ca'Pesaro 4. New York based artist Aurel Schmidt will be showing her series 'New Gods' at Cannaregio 5. Part of the unique Vanhaerents Collection will be on display for an exhibition entitled Heartbreak Hotel at the Zuecca Projects Space 6. Jonas Mekas: Internet Saga at the Palazzo Foscari Contarini 7. Artist Rob Pruitt's unique Flea Market in Venice will be on display at A Plus A gallery 8. Pamela Rosenkranz has been nominated by her country to exhibit at the Swiss Pavilion with an exhibition that averages European skin color 9. At the age of 78, Joan Jonas represents the United States at the 56th Venice Biennale with They Come To Us Without A Word 10. Frontiers Reimagined, a major group exhibition with 44 artists will be on view at Museo di Palazzo Grimani