Namibia Debuts at Venice Biennale 2022 with Desert Stone Sculptures
Namibia is set to make its inaugural appearance at the Venice Biennale during the 59th International Art Exhibition, taking place from April 23 to November 27, 2022. The Namibia Pavilion, curated by Cecilia Alemani under the theme "The Milk of Dreams," presents "The Lone Stone Men of the Desert," a showcase curated by Marco Furio Ferrario in 2015. This exhibition features enigmatic stone sculptures from the Kunene region of the Namib Desert, crafted from local stones and iron rods, representing stylized human forms. The creators remain anonymous, with each piece identified by a phrase and a number. The event encourages interaction with the Himba community and adventurous visitors, starting with a photographic display at Casello delle Polveri and including immersive installations on Certosa Island. Additionally, Uganda is making its debut with "Radiance – They Dream in Time," created by Acaye Kerunen and Collin Sekajugo, curated by Shaheen Merali at Palazzo Palumbo Fossati.
Key facts
- Namibia participates in the Venice Biennale for the first time in 2022.
- The 59th International Art Exhibition runs from April 23 to November 27, 2022.
- The Biennale is curated by Cecilia Alemani under the theme 'The Milk of Dreams'.
- The Namibia Pavilion is titled 'The Lone Stone Men of the Desert'.
- The pavilion is curated by Marco Furio Ferrario, who discovered the works in 2015.
- The sculptures are made from desert stones and iron rods, depicting stylized human figures.
- The artists are unknown; each sculpture bears a phrase and a number.
- The exhibition includes a photographic show at Casello delle Polveri on Certosa Island and immersive installations across the island's park.
Entities
Artists
- Acaye Kerunen
- Collin Sekajugo
Institutions
- La Biennale di Venezia
- Vento di Venezia
- Palazzo Palumbo Fossati
- Casello delle Polveri
- Certosa Island
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Namibia
- Kunene region
- Namib Desert
- Uganda
- Certosa Island