The Russian Pavilion.
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 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.
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’.
“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.”
The exhibition also featured text, and sound pieces of the researchers in discussion.
The experiment seemed to involve stem cell research into curing diseases.
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.
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’.
“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’.
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.
[calltoaction]
