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Russia Pavilion at 2022 Venice Biennale: Transition, Theater, and Renovation

exhibition · 2026-04-27

Curated by Raimundas Malašauskas, the Russia Pavilion at the 2022 Venice Biennale Arte examines transition as both a chemical and philosophical concept, harking back to its opening in 1914. The exhibition delves into the themes of time, body, matter, and technology, showcasing the transformations between different states. Among the featured artists is Alexandra Sukhareva (b. 1983, Moscow), known for her installations utilizing toxic materials, which are part of collections like Tate Modern. Another artist, Kirill Savchenkov (b. 1987, Moscow), focuses on social issues intertwined with technology. In 2021, Kovaleva&Sato Architects undertook renovations of the pavilion, initially designed by Alexey Schusev and inaugurated on April 29, 1914, restoring its original white walls and oak flooring while enhancing the interaction between the interior and exterior.

Key facts

  • Russia Pavilion at 2022 Venice Biennale Arte curated by Raimundas Malašauskas.
  • Exhibition references the pavilion's 1914 inauguration.
  • Theme of transition as chemical and philosophical process.
  • Exhibition conceived as gestural choreography exploring time, body, matter, technology, AI.
  • Artists: Alexandra Sukhareva (b. 1983, Moscow) and Kirill Savchenkov (b. 1987, Moscow).
  • Sukhareva's works in Tate Modern, Castello di Rivoli, and private collections.
  • Savchenkov participated in Time, Forward! (2019), Baltic Triennial (2021), Ural Industrial Biennial (2019, 2017), Gwangju Biennale (2018).
  • Pavilion renovated in 2021 by Kovaleva&Sato Architects, restoring original transparency.

Entities

Artists

  • Raimundas Malašauskas
  • Alexandra Sukhareva
  • Kirill Savchenkov
  • Alexey Schusev

Institutions

  • Biennale di Venezia
  • Russia Pavilion
  • Tate Modern
  • Castello di Rivoli
  • VAC Zattere
  • Baltic Triennial
  • Ural Industrial Biennial of Contemporary Art
  • Gwangju Biennale
  • Kovaleva&Sato Architects
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Moscow
  • Russia
  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Turin
  • Mexico
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Giardini

Sources