ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Dane Mitchell's 'Post hoc' at New Zealand Pavilion to Broadcast Lists of Extinct Phenomena Across Venice

exhibition · 2026-04-20

Dane Mitchell will showcase New Zealand's presence at the 2019 Venice Biennale with his installation, 'Post hoc'. This project features tree cell towers placed at historical Venice locations, transmitting lists of phenomena that have vanished, including extinct species and obsolete national anthems, thus creating an ethereal sculptural landscape throughout the city. Mitchell explains that the work separates the link between extinction events and today's responsibilities, aiming to revive lost histories. Located at Palazzina Canonica, Riva Sette Martiri, Mitchell, a Pakeha from New Zealand Aotearoa, reflects on the significance of representation in light of the Christchurch tragedies. He recalls a moment from the 2009 biennale with Arto Lindsay and anticipates Handiwirman Saputra's contributions. The event is scheduled from 11 May to 24 November 2019.

Key facts

  • Dane Mitchell represents New Zealand at the 2019 Venice Biennale
  • Installation 'Post hoc' broadcasts lists of extinct phenomena via tree cell towers
  • Project creates an intangible sculptural field across Venice
  • Pavilion located at Palazzina Canonica, Riva Sette Martiri
  • Mitchell is Pakeha from New Zealand Aotearoa
  • Work decouples extinction events from contemporary responsibility
  • Mitchell reflects on representation after Christchurch atrocities
  • Venice Biennale runs 11 May – 24 November 2019

Entities

Artists

  • Dane Mitchell
  • Arto Lindsay
  • Handiwirman Saputra

Institutions

  • ArtReview
  • Venice Biennale
  • New Zealand Pavilion

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Christchurch
  • New Zealand
  • New Zealand Aotearoa
  • Palazzina Canonica
  • Riva Sette Martiri

Sources