Belgium and Hong Kong Announce Artists for 2017 Venice Biennale

Belgium has selected photographer Dirk Braeckman (born 1958 in Eeklo) to represent the country at the 2017 Venice Biennale, working with curator Eva Wittock. They were chosen from a shortlist of five candidates for their innovative approach to photography, described as painterly and sensual. Hong Kong will be represented by sound artist Samson Young (born 1979), with curators Ying Kwok and M+ chief curator Doryun Chong. This marks the third collaboration between the Arts Development Council and M+ for the Biennale. Young joins a growing number of sound artists at the 2017 edition, including Xavier Veilhan (born 1953 in Lyon) for France, who will transform the French Pavilion into a musical studio inspired by Kurt Schwitters; Cevdet Erek (born 1974 in Istanbul) presented by IKSV Foundation; and Egill Sæbjörnsson (born 1973 in Reykjavik) for Iceland.