Jesse Jones Discusses Irish Pavilion Film Installation at 2017 Venice Biennale

Jesse Jones represents Ireland at the 2017 Venice Biennale with a new film installation titled Tremble Tremble (Tremate Tremate), located in the Arsenale. The work draws inspiration from Silvia Federici's book Caliban and the Witch and Irish fables of gigantism, exploring feminism as a form of magical thinking. Jones collaborated with performer Olwen Fouéré on the film, developing a script through discussions about female archetypes and the witch as a figure of recuperation. The exhibition includes film, a large digital movable scrim, and sculptures, marking a departure in Jones's practice. She plans to be present in the Irish pavilion for weeks after the opening to engage directly with visitors, valuing everyday conversations about the work. Jones reflects on the Venice Biennale's status as a potential global utopia amid rising nationalism and political divisions. She notes the honor of representing Ireland, linking her work's themes to current debates in Ireland about body autonomy and cultural dissent. Jones highlights the Irish pavilion's history of addressing timely issues, citing past contributions by Gerard Byrne in 2007, Kennedy Browne (Gareth Kennedy and Sarah Browne) in 2009, and Richard Mosse in 2013. She looks forward to seeing James Richards's pavilion for Wales and artists Kim Sung Hwan and Phyllida Barlow in the main exhibition. The Biennale runs from 13 May to 26 November 2017.