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Berlinde De Bruyckere on representing Belgium at Venice Biennale with new pavilion work

exhibition · 2026-04-20

In 2013, Berlinde De Bruyckere showcases a site-specific installation at the Belgian pavilion during the Venice Biennale, marking her third nomination, which she regards as a privilege. Her artistic journey included several visits to the pavilion and collaboration with writer J.M. Coetzee, who provided a commissioned text that inspired her work. Together, they also produced a book. Influenced by Venice's rich history, her installation integrates elements from her earlier works in innovative ways. De Bruyckere looks forward to Massimiliano Gioni's 'The Encyclopedic Palace' and Anri Sala's exhibit at the French pavilion, recalling her admiration for Bill Viola's and Sophie Calle's installations from 2007. This questionnaire appeared in ArtReview's series on national pavilions.

Key facts

  • Berlinde De Bruyckere represents Belgium at the 2013 Venice Biennale
  • The Belgian pavilion is located in the Giardini
  • De Bruyckere created a new site-specific work for the pavilion
  • Writer J.M. Coetzee contributed a commissioned text that inspired the installation
  • De Bruyckere collaborated with Coetzee on creating a book
  • This was De Bruyckere's third nomination to represent Belgium
  • The artist expressed particular interest in Massimiliano Gioni's 'The Encyclopedic Palace' exhibition
  • De Bruyckere looks forward to seeing Anri Sala at the French pavilion

Entities

Artists

  • Berlinde De Bruyckere
  • J.M. Coetzee
  • Bill Viola
  • Sophie Calle
  • Massimiliano Gioni
  • Anri Sala

Institutions

  • Venice Biennale
  • ArtReview
  • Belgian pavilion
  • French pavilion
  • Gwangju Biennale

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Giardini
  • Gwangju
  • South Korea
  • Belgium

Sources