Biennale de Venise 2017: National Pavilions Navigate Politics and Aesthetics
At the 2017 Venice Biennale, national pavilions delve into the tension between cultural diplomacy and artistic authenticity. France's exhibit highlights 'cultural influence,' which stands in contrast to 'dialogue between cultures.' Russia addresses political issues while neglecting human rights, whereas Azerbaijan promotes its proficiency in 'the art of living together.' Romania features the works of Geta Brătescu. The debut of Antigua and Barbuda showcases Franz Walter's paintings, curated by Barbara Paca. Iraq's 'Archaic,' curated by Tamara Chalabi, displays Babylonian artifacts alongside contemporary artists. Erkka Nissinen and Nathaniel Mellors from Finland present 'The Aalto Natives.' New Zealand's Lisa Reihana exhibits 'Emissaries,' and Estonia's Katja Novitskova critiques digital dynamics. Xavier Veilhan from France creates 'Studio Venezia,' while Anne Imhof from Germany receives the Golden Lion for 'Faust.'
Key facts
- Romania's pavilion features a monograph of Geta Brătescu across two venues.
- Antigua and Barbuda debuts at the Biennale with outsider artist Franz Walter, curated by Barbara Paca.
- Iraq's pavilion 'Archaic' includes works by Jewad Selim, Sadik Kwaish Alfraji, and Francis Alÿs.
- Francis Alÿs spent nine days with Peshmerga on the Mosul front.
- Finland's pavilion presents 'The Aalto Natives' by Erkka Nissinen and Nathaniel Mellors.
- New Zealand's Lisa Reihana shows 'Emissaries,' a video diorama on colonial violence.
- Estonia's Katja Novitskova critiques digital flows at Palazzo Malipiero.
- France's Xavier Veilhan creates 'Studio Venezia,' a recording studio inspired by Kurt Schwitters' Merzbau.
- Portugal's José Pedro Croft installs 'Medida Incerta' on Giudecca.
- Germany's Anne Imhof wins the Golden Lion for 'Faust,' curated by Susanne Pfeffer.
- Susanne Pfeffer previously curated 'One on One' in Berlin in 2012.
Entities
Artists
- Geta Brătescu
- Franz Walter
- Jewad Selim
- Sadik Kwaish Alfraji
- Francis Alÿs
- Erkka Nissinen
- Nathaniel Mellors
- Lisa Reihana
- Katja Novitskova
- Xavier Veilhan
- Kurt Schwitters
- Sébastien Tellier
- Chloe
- José Pedro Croft
- Anne Imhof
Institutions
- Biennale de Venise
- Ruya Foundation
- Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti
- Palazzo Malipiero
- Villa Hériot
- Don Orione Artigianelli
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- France
- Russia
- Azerbaijan
- Romania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Iraq
- Finland
- New Zealand
- Estonia
- Portugal
- Germany
- Giudecca
- Mosul
- Berlin
Sources
- artpress —