George Drivas presents Laboratory of Dilemmas for Greece at 2017 Venice Biennale

George Drivas represents Greece at the 2017 Venice Biennale with his installation Laboratory of Dilemmas in the Giardini. The narrative sound and video work draws from Aeschylus' play Iketides (The Suppliant Women), exploring dilemmas between protecting foreigners and maintaining native safety. Through a documentary about an incomplete biology experiment, the piece reveals a professor's hopes and disagreements with co-researchers. Drivas describes the Venice Biennale as distinct from regular exhibitions due to logistical challenges and the artwork's role within a national pavilion context. He views the event as an international dialogue platform rather than merely national representation, emphasizing shared universal values. The artist feels honored by his selection through a respected Greek jury but sees representation as an opportunity to convey messages transcending borders. Drivas recalls Venice's atmospheric emptiness during a foggy January visit, reminiscent of Nicolas Roeg's film Don't Look Now. He advocates for opening national pavilions to artists of different nationalities to foster broader international collaborations. The Biennale runs from 13 May to 26 November 2017.