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The entrance to the Giardini
The entrance to the Giardini

Venice Biennale 2017 | Part 2

A news item by Artthrob on the 18th of May 2017. This should take you 4 minutes to read.

Part 1
Part 3

The Russian Pavilion.

The Russian Pavilion.

 

This year the Russian Pavilion was curated by Semyon Mikhailovsky. Featuring work by Grisha Bruskin, Recycle Group, and Sasha Pirogova.

This year the Russian Pavilion was curated by Semyon Mikhailovsky. Featuring work by Grisha Bruskin, Recycle Group, and Sasha Pirogova.

 

The work opposite the above wall text, each small figure is about 15cm high. Read more on this exhibition <a href="http://www.berlinartlink.com/2017/05/03/venice-biennale-2017-the-russian-pavilion-an-interview-with-the-curator-and-artists/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

The work opposite the above wall text, each small figure is about 15cm high. Read more on this exhibition here.

 

In the next room, various sculptures line the walls. Every few minute, the room darkens and a 360 degree projection animates the marching figures from the previous work, also featuring exploding buildings and other characters.

In the next room, various sculptures line the walls. Every few minute, the room darkens and a 360 degree projection animates the marching figures from the previous work, also featuring exploding buildings and other characters.

 

Another view of the projection.

Another view of the projection.

 

The Greek Pavilion. Curated by Orestis Andreadakis, the pavilion is dedicated to a video installation by George Drivas, entitled 'Laboratory of Dilemmas'.

The Greek Pavilion. Curated by Orestis Andreadakis, the pavilion is dedicated to a video installation by George Drivas, entitled ‘Laboratory of Dilemmas’.

 

"Laboratory of Dilemmas is a narrative video installation based on Aeschylus’ theatre play Iketides (Suppliant Women), which poses a dilemma between saving the Foreigner and maintaining the safety of the Native. Addressing current global sociopolitical issues, the work deals with the anguish, puzzlement, and confusion of individuals and social groups when called upon to address similar dilemmas." Read more on this fascinating work <a href="http://laboratoryofdilemmas.gr" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

“Laboratory of Dilemmas is a narrative video installation based on Aeschylus’ theatre play Iketides (Suppliant Women), which poses a dilemma between saving the Foreigner and maintaining the safety of the Native. Addressing current global sociopolitical issues, the work deals with the anguish, puzzlement, and confusion of individuals and social groups when called upon to address similar dilemmas.” Read more on this fascinating work here.

 

Visitors huddled in the dark, disorientating space, watching one of several videos within the exhibition. "Laboratory of Dilemmas focuses on the play’s dilemma through the excerpts of an unfinished documentary in the form of found footage about a scientific experiment."

Visitors huddled in the dark, disorientating space, watching one of several videos within the exhibition. “Laboratory of Dilemmas focuses on the play’s dilemma through the excerpts of an unfinished documentary in the form of found footage about a scientific experiment.”

 

The exhibition also featured text, and sound pieces of the researchers in discussion.

 

The experiment seemed to involve stem cell research into curing diseases.

The experiment seemed to involve stem cell research into curing diseases.

 

Visitors trying to negotiate the space, which was highly reflective and beautifully constructed.

Visitors trying to negotiate the space, which was highly reflective and beautifully constructed.

 

An interior plan of the space, taken from the pavilion's website.

An interior plan of the space, taken from the pavilion’s website.

 

Republic of Korea’s National Pavilion featured works by Cody Choi and Lee Wan in a joint exhibition, entitled 'Counterbalance: The Stone and the Mountain'. The exhibition explored conflicts and dislocation percieved by the artists in contemporary Korean identity. Curated by Seoul-based contemporary curator Lee Daehyung, the pavilion contained one of the most moving works we saw at Venice.

Republic of Korea’s National Pavilion featured works by Cody Choi and Lee Wan in a joint exhibition, entitled ‘Counterbalance: The Stone and the Mountain’. The exhibition explored conflicts and dislocation percieved by the artists in contemporary Korean identity. Curated by Seoul-based contemporary curator Lee Daehyung, the pavilion contained one of the most moving works we saw at Venice.

 

That work was by Lee Wan, artifactual installation entitled 'Mr K and the Collection of Korean History'.

That work was by Lee Wan, artifactual installation entitled ‘Mr K and the Collection of Korean History’.

 

"In this work, Mr. K is Kim Ki Moon (1936-2011), who represents the generation that dealt with major historical events such as Japanese colonial rule, the Korean War, the formation of the Republic of Korea, and the dictatorship of the 60s and 70s—all amidst the country’s economic growth and shift to democracy." Read more <a href="https://news.artnet.com/art-world/cody-choi-lee-wan-korean-pavilion-venice-854561" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

“In this work, Mr. K is Kim Ki Moon (1936-2011), who represents the generation that dealt with major historical events such as Japanese colonial rule, the Korean War, the formation of the Republic of Korea, and the dictatorship of the 60s and 70s—all amidst the country’s economic growth and shift to democracy.” Read more here.

 

Detail of 'Mr K and the Collection of Korean History'.

Detail of ‘Mr K and the Collection of Korean History’.

 

Detail of 'Mr K and the Collection of Korean History'.

Detail of ‘Mr K and the Collection of Korean History’.

 

Detail of 'Mr K and the Collection of Korean History'.

Detail of ‘Mr K and the Collection of Korean History’.

 

Detail of 'Mr K and the Collection of Korean History'.

Detail of ‘Mr K and the Collection of Korean History’.

 

Another work by Lee Wan at the Korean Pavilion. "“Proper Time.” Six hundred and sixty-eight clocks cover the four walls, with each of the clocks engraved with the name, date of birth, nationality and occupation of an individuals that Lee met and interviewed around the world. Each clock moves at a different pace, depending on the amount of time the individual has to work to afford a meal. ". Read more <a href="http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3033338" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

Another work by Lee Wan at the Korean Pavilion. “‘Proper Time.’ Six hundred and sixty-eight clocks cover the four walls, with each of the clocks engraved with the name, date of birth, nationality and occupation of an individuals that Lee met and interviewed around the world. Each clock moves at a different pace, depending on the amount of time the individual has to work to afford a meal”. Read more here.

 

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Tagged: Cody Choi, George Drivas, Grisha Bruskin, Lee Daehyung, Lee Wan, Orestis Andreadakis, Semyon Mikhailovsky, Venice Biennale 2017

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