IC-98's Finnish Pavilion at 2015 Venice Biennale explores post-human futures
Artist duo IC-98 represents Finland at the 2015 Venice Biennale with a site-specific installation titled 'Hours, Years, Aeons' in the Finnish Pavilion located in the Giardini. The work continues their ongoing Abendland cycle, blending animation with material elements to envision a distant future beyond human existence. IC-98 notes the pavilion, designed by Alvar Aalto, presents challenges due to its small, idiosyncratic modernist architecture originally intended for paintings, and its listed status restricts modifications. They view national representation as an anachronism but acknowledge being part of Finland's art scene and funding structures. The duo avoids tailoring their work for specific audiences, focusing instead on creating art that resonates broadly. They express interest in Okwui Enwezor's main exhibition, finding its theme aligned with their long-term interests. IC-98 reflects that the Venice Biennale previously held little meaning for them, and they see the Finnish Pavilion's location as guaranteeing visitors but limiting for diverse contemporary art displays. The questionnaire was published online exclusively on 7 May 2015 by ArtReview as part of a series leading up to the biennale's opening.
Key facts
- IC-98 is representing Finland at the 2015 Venice Biennale
- Their installation 'Hours, Years, Aeons' is part of the Abendland cycle
- The Finnish Pavilion is in the Giardini and designed by Alvar Aalto
- The pavilion is small, modernist, and listed, restricting space engagement
- IC-98 considers national representation anachronistic but acknowledges Finnish art scene ties
- They do not tailor work for specific audiences, aiming for broad resonance
- IC-98 finds Okwui Enwezor's main exhibition theme aligned with their interests
- The questionnaire was published online on 7 May 2015 by ArtReview
Entities
Artists
- IC-98
- Okwui Enwezor
- Alvar Aalto
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Venice Biennale
- Finnish Pavilion
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini
- Finland