Sean Edwards presents new multimedia works for Wales at 2019 Venice Biennale collateral event
At the 2019 Venice Biennale, Sean Edwards showcases a collateral event exhibition at Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, Castello, 450, representing Wales. His exhibition features a variety of works, including sculptures, a film, prints, textiles inspired by Welsh quilts, and a live daily radio play titled Refrain, performed by his mother from Cardiff at 2pm throughout the event. Drawing from his working-class background, Edwards reflects on the church's architectural history while tackling themes of austerity, class, shame, and loss. Alongside Scotland, Wales is part of the Collateral Event. Edwards fondly remembers his first Biennale experience with Bethan Huws in 2003 and anticipates the works of Charlotte Prodger and Martin Puryear. The Biennale is scheduled from 11 May to 24 November 2019.
Key facts
- Sean Edwards represents Wales at the 2019 Venice Biennale
- Exhibition is a collateral event at Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, Castello, 450 (Fondamenta San Gioachin)
- Includes sculptures, film, prints, textiles, and daily live radio play Refrain
- Radio play performed by Edwards's mother from Cardiff at 2pm daily
- Themes address austerity, class, shame, loss, and working-class experience
- Edwards cites Bethan Huws's 2003 presentation and Bedwyr Williams's 2013 exhibition as key influences
- He looks forward to seeing work by Charlotte Prodger, Cathy Wilkes, Jesse Darling, and Martin Puryear
- Venice Biennale runs 11 May – 24 November 2019
Entities
Artists
- Sean Edwards
- Bethan Huws
- Bedwyr Williams
- Cate Le Bon
- Charlotte Prodger
- Cathy Wilkes
- Jesse Darling
- Martin Puryear
- Ralph Rugoff
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Venice Biennale
- Wales in Venice
- Parasol Unit
- US Pavilion
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Cardiff
- Wales
- UK
- London
- Santa Maria Ausiliatrice
- Castello
- Fondamenta San Gioachin