Yto Barrada's 'Comme Saturne' Opens French Pavilion at Venice Biennale

At the 61st Venice Biennale, Yto Barrada showcases her work 'Comme Saturne' on behalf of France, under the curation of Myriam Ben Salah. The exhibition's title alludes to the phrase from the French Revolution, "Like Saturn, the revolution devours its children," as well as the Renaissance notion that artists are born under the influence of Saturn, associated with melancholy and deep contemplation. Barrada revitalizes this celestial concept through rituals and material techniques, emphasizing language and textile art. A highlight of the exhibition is dévoré, a textile method that chemically erodes fabric pile to create forms through absence, representing both destruction and creation. Visitors navigate through draped spaces that delve into themes of time and erosion.