Independent Joburg Pavilion Launches at 2015 Venice Biennale
An independent performance pavilion, named the Joburg Pavilion, has been established by a collective of South African artists, writers, and curators next to the official South African Pavilion at the 2015 Venice Biennale. This pavilion will showcase video and performance pieces from artists such as Athi-Patra Ruga, Anthea Moys, Bogosi Sekhukhuni, Kudzanai Chiurai, Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi, and the CUSS Group, all reflecting on the essence of Johannesburg. Sponsored by the FNB JoburgArtFair and 133 Arts Foundation, the initiative honors the 1997 Johannesburg Biennale curated by Okwui Enwezor, who is also directing the 2015 Venice Biennale. Running from May 6–14 in Santa Croce, Venice, the pavilion aims to amplify the voices of a younger, often overlooked generation in the art scene.
Key facts
- The Joburg Pavilion is an independent performance pavilion launched alongside the official South African Pavilion at the 2015 Venice Biennale.
- It features artists including the CUSS Group, Athi-Patra Ruga, Anthea Moys, Bogosi Sekhukhuni, Kudzanai Chiurai, and Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi.
- The pavilion is presented by the FNB JoburgArtFair and 133 Arts Foundation.
- It was conceived in memory of the final Johannesburg Biennale curated in 1997 by Okwui Enwezor.
- Okwui Enwezor is the director of the 2015 Venice Biennale.
- The focus on performance and video responds to the commodification of art in South Africa, where the market is dominated by wall- and floor-based art.
- Founding member Roelof van Wyk stated the market is 'dominated by the commerce of wall- and floor-based art.'
- The Joburg Pavilion runs from 6–14 May in the streets around Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio in Santa Croce, Venice.
Entities
Artists
- CUSS Group
- Athi-Patra Ruga
- Anthea Moys
- Bogosi Sekhukhuni
- Kudzanai Chiurai
- Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi
- Okwui Enwezor
- Roelof van Wyk
Institutions
- FNB JoburgArtFair
- 133 Arts Foundation
- Johannesburg Biennale
- Venice Biennale
- South African Pavilion
- Joburg Pavilion
Locations
- Johannesburg
- South Africa
- Venice
- Italy
- Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio
- Santa Croce