Monday 20 July 2009

Venice Biennale, art - 2



In the main Pavillion at the Giordani (Gardens), one of the most spectacular installation was done by Tomas Saraceno, born in Argentina, living in Germany. A room filled with black elastic wire gives the impression of microcosm of cells and atoms, to the macrocosm of constellations and planets. He is interrested in innovative architectural projects and fascinated by utopian theories and astronomical issues. The Back Widow's gorssamer filaments are able to suspend extreme weights tthrough the use of complex geometry. Although light and airy, the whole room has a intriguing complex opressiveness.

Georges Adeagbo, born in Benin, explores walls two corners where he hangs various found objects and pictures, news papers relating to the moment and the ideas in his toughts. He gives the viewer time to reflect on issues of political and cultural appropriation, colonial violence and post colonial "benevolence".
With a law degree, "Already in 1971 he created in the yard of his home his first installations, which he himself called ´installations éphémères´ (ephemeral installations), but for twenty years he lived in extreme poverty and isolation, lavishing more attention on his artefacts than on his sizeable family, who sent him several times into psychiatric care. It was not till 1993 that a French curator and collector happened to meet him and take an interest in his work" (www.culturebase.net).
(no pictures were allowed)

Hans-Peter Feldmann, from Germany, plays with shadows and light: "toy figures and other objects pilled on slowly rotating platform, lit with stronglights, cast a dance on the bare walls in a manner akin to shadow puppetry or magic lanterns" Dynamic and amusing.
Susan Hefuna is the only artist of egyptian descent in the main Pavillion where 37 artists show their work.

The biennale says it is not about nationalities nor politics. Their official title is "Making the world, Fari Mondi" but many critics see it as arena where countries with their power and ressources enter the world of influence and culture.

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