Uffe Isolotto Transforms Danish Pavilion into Hyperrealistic Centaur Farm for 2022 Venice Biennale

Uffe Isolotto represents Denmark at the 59th Venice Biennale with an installation titled 'We Walked the Earth,' transforming the national pavilion in the Giardini into a Danish farmhouse inhabited by a hyperrealistic family of centaurs. The work, open from 23 April to 27 November 2022, explores themes of life, death, and uncertainty amid ecological, political, and existential challenges. Isolotto notes the centaurs' struggle reflects contemporary complexities, blending hope and despair. He cites inspiration from Danish artists J. F. Willumsen (1863–1958) and Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen (1863–1945), having worked in Carl-Nielsen's former studio. The Danish Arts Foundation selected Isolotto via an open call, marking a departure from typical international recognition. He anticipates the main exhibition curated by Cecilia Alemani, highlighting artists like Unica Zürn, Tetsumi Kudo, Ovartaci, Marguerite Humeau, Giulia Cenci, Sidsel Meineche Hansen, and Dora Budor. Isolotto recalls a 2005 Venice visit where he learned of his wife's pregnancy, with their son turning sixteen near the 2022 opening. He emphasizes Venice's role as a bewildering backdrop for art, advising off-season visits for solitary exploration. The pavilion's history dates to the biennale's inception, with Isolotto valuing community support from Danish artists.