Mark Salvatus to Represent Philippines at 2024 Venice Biennale

Mark Salvatus will represent the Philippines at the 60th Venice Biennale, with his pavilion located in the Arsenale. The Biennale runs from 20 April to 24 November 2024. Salvatus, who has never visited the Biennale before, describes his exhibition as an imaginary journey and a rehearsal, aiming to redistribute energies within the space. He draws inspiration from his domestic life, creating art in corners of his home with his wife, nine-year-old son, and three cats. His early exposure to art came from the Pahiyas festival in his hometown, a tradition of hanging fruits and vegetables as offerings, which curator Ray Albano called an authentic form of installation art. Salvatus proposes the concept of 'natural art' that uses natural materials and context. He cites influences including David Medalla and Matsuo Basho. He looks forward to seeing works by Etel Adnan in the main exhibition, the Timor-Leste Pavilion's first participation, and Pierre Huyghe's show at Punta della Dogana.