“双年展”这一名词是外来语。英义为Biennial。意大利文为Biennale。实际上原意并不局限于艺术展览会,只是指每隔两年定期发生的某件事情或举行的某种活动。音乐、戏剧、电影、建筑界等也都使用它。称为“双年节”“双年会”“双年庆”均无不可,视其内容而定。 一般来说,大部份的双年展都是国际性、当代性,综合性三者兼具的视觉艺术展览。但也不全然如此。首先,有的时间上并非双年。其次,并不是所有双年展都是综合性的。也有一些单项媒体的双年展。第三有少数双年展是地域性的。 The term “biennale” is loanwords. The meaning is Biennial. Italian is Biennale. In fact, the original intention is not limited to art exhibitions, but refers to something that happens regularly every two years or some kind of activity. It is also used by music, theater, movies, architecture and more. Bimonthly, “Bicentennial” and “Biennial” all depend on their content. In general, most of the biennials are visual art exhibitions of international, contemporary and comprehensive. But not exactly. First, there are times that are not two years. Second, not all biennials are comprehensive. There are also some single-media biennials. Third, a few biennials are regional.