Which is better...?

The Venice architecture biennale 2010, or the art biennale 2011, there's only one way to find out... FIIIGHT!

In the red corner for team architecture we have Janet Cardiff's '40 Part Motet'. Weighing in with 40 speakers in an oval and some hard fought for seats in the centre this is a tough one to beat.

And in the blue corner for team art we have the new kid on the block and underdog for this fight Christian Marclay's 'Clock'. Considerably heavier than his opponent with some very comfortable sofas and 24 hours of film with time references for each minute.

And Cardiff starts off the proceedings with a point for providing a needed respite in the Arsenale but Marclay hands down takes the lead on this one, with sofas so good there was at least one man sleeping in the room.
Marclay is knocked back by the overwhelming effect of all Cardiff's singers in unison, but fights back with a huge note for attention to detail and sheer time and effort involved.
What's this? Just when you thought Cardiff was down she throws out the single speaker providing a unique viewpoint on the choir.

So in conclusion for me although 'The Clock' was thoroughly enjoyable and real kudos for shifting through god knows how many films to find all those references, Janet Cardiff's piece has just got a bit more depth.

Overall as well I thought the architecture biennale was better, this may be because I have a bias, but I think it was more unified. Having said that the art biennale had a few more stand out pieces, like Urs Fischer's wax pieces (I like time related pieces). Or James Turrell's light piece, which this photo doesn't really do justice but the 45 minute wait might have.