Queer Utopia and Performance at the 2019 Venice Biennale
The 2019 Venice Biennale, directed by Ralph Rugoff under the title 'May You Live in Interesting Times,' featured a dynamic array of performances emphasizing the interplay of body and voice. In the Giardino delle Vergini, diverse artists such as boychild, Paul Maheke, and Victoria Sin transformed the space, creating a unique queer atmosphere. Each artist contributed: Victoria Sin's piece examined the implications of language, while Paul Maheke’s work delved into the quest for authenticity through dance. Other highlights included Nástio Mosquito's musical procession and Zadie Xa's mask parade, along with discussions on desire led by Florence Peake and Eve Stainton at the Piccolo Teatro dell'Arsenale.
Key facts
- The performance program was part of the 2019 Venice Biennale opening.
- The exhibition was curated by Ralph Rugoff under the title 'You May Live in Interesting Times'.
- Performances took place at the Giardino delle Vergini, Giardini area, and Piccolo Teatro dell'Arsenale.
- Three identical black stages at Giardino delle Vergini hosted works by boychild, Paul Maheke, and Victoria Sin.
- Victoria Sin is a Canadian drag queen of Asian descent.
- Victoria Sin's performance 'If I had the words to tell you we wouldn’t be here now' used lip-sync to explore naming and identity.
- Paul Maheke's 'Seeking After the Fully Grown Dancer deep within' (2016-2018) used authentic movement.
- boychild's 'Untitled Hand Dance' drew from butoh, fashion, and club culture.
- Nástio Mosquito led a musical procession in the Giardini area.
- Zadie Xa staged a parade of masks.
- Florence Peake and Eve Stainton performed at the Piccolo Teatro dell'Arsenale.
- The program was described as avoiding scandal and provocation.
Entities
Artists
- Ralph Rugoff
- boychild
- Paul Maheke
- Victoria Sin
- Nástio Mosquito
- Zadie Xa
- Florence Peake
- Eve Stainton
- Korakrit Arunanondchai
- Maria Paola Zedda
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Carlos/Ishikawa
- Artribune
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardino delle Vergini
- Arsenale
- Giardini
- Piccolo Teatro dell'Arsenale