Bulgarian artists Rada Boukova and Lazar Lyutakov discuss their 2019 Venice Biennale pavilion
At the 2019 Venice Biennale, Bulgaria is represented by Rada Boukova and Lazar Lyutakov, whose pavilion is situated at Palazzo Giustinian Lolin, San Marco 2893. Their exhibition, named How We Live, features two newly crafted modular artworks made from synthetic industrial materials like acrylate and polystyrene. They explore the tension between traditional craftsmanship and mass production, touching on sustainability and the effects of cheap goods on our living spaces. Boukova, a Bulgarian living in Paris, sees her dual identity as a source of varied perspectives, while Lyutakov, who first visited Venice in 2001, has mixed feelings. Both artists emphasize the importance of international representation for Bulgarian artists and express disappointment with historical government support. The Biennale runs from May 11 to November 24, 2019.
Key facts
- Rada Boukova and Lazar Lyutakov represent Bulgaria at the 2019 Venice Biennale
- Their exhibition How We Live is at Palazzo Giustinian Lolin, San Marco 2893
- The works are modular and use synthetic industrial materials like acrylate and polystyrene
- The exhibition explores craft traditions versus industrial production and sustainability
- Boukova lives in Paris and has a dual identity, influencing her transnational perspective
- Lyutakov first visited Venice in 2001, feeling admiration and perplexity
- The artists see representation as a responsibility, not an honor, and note Bulgaria's past lack of support
- The Venice Biennale runs from 11 May to 24 November 2019
Entities
Artists
- Rada Boukova
- Lazar Lyutakov
- Kris Lemsalu
- Alban Muja
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Venice Biennale
- Estonian pavilion
- Kosovo pavilion
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Bulgaria
- Paris
- France
- San Marco 2893
- Palazzo Giustinian Lolin