The Georgian National Pavilion was officially opened at the Venice Biennale of Art
Organized by “Creative Georgia” and supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, the Georgian National Pavilion at the 58th Venice International Art Exhibition has officially opened.
The pavilion was presented by young New York- and Berlin-based artist Anna K.E. with her work - REARMIRRORVIEW, Simulation is Simulation, is Simulation, is Simulation… She was joined by curator Margo Norton in working on the project.
The Georgian project received great acclaim from foreign visitors.
The official opening ceremony of the Georgian National Pavilion was led by National Pavilion Commissioner Anna Riaboshenko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia Konstantine Surguladze, curator Margo Norton, and Director of the Goethe-Institut in Georgia Barbara Münchhausen.
Project concept: „REARMIRRORVIEW Simulation is Simulation, is Simulation, is Simulation…“ - On the surface of the structure, sculptural objects made of polished iron, resembling faucets, are scattered haphazardly, through which water circulates continuously. With these elements, Anna K.E. emphasizes the substance essential to human life. Water implies permanence, purification, and energy. The hieroglyphic forms of the silver faucets are prototypes of the Georgian alphabet, Asomtavruli, which was created in 430 BC.
For REARMIRRORVIEW Simulation is Simulation, is Simulation, is Simulation..., K.E. spells out the English word “deranged” using the Asomtavruli alphabet, without translating it into Georgian. In line with the concept of the Venice Biennale, K.E. calls into question the structure of language and translation; the word “deranged” in turn signifies something irrational and unstable, incorrectly translated, or an “alternative fact” that disrupts the connection between language, form, and perception.
The project, implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, “Creative Georgia”, “TBC Status”, “Adjara Group”, Ernst & Young and the Goethe-Institut, was presented at the Biennale under the organization of Simon Subal Gallery and Project Artbeat.
A 74 sq. m space for the Georgian National Pavilion has been allocated in one of the main exhibition spaces of Venice - the “Arsenale”.
This year, for the first time, the Georgian National Pavilion held an official reception. The evening, which featured musical accompaniment by Georgian musician Anushka Chkheidze, was attended by curators from various countries, collectors, and other invited guests.
The 2019 Venice Biennale officially opened on May 11 and will run until November 24.
This year's exhibition (curated by Ralph Rugoff) is held under the general concept - „May You Live in Interesting Times”.
The concept brings together works of art that will allow visitors to gain a new understanding of objects and images, gestures and situations.
„The 58th International Art Exhibition will emphasize general approaches to the creation of art and the perception of art in society, which implies both pleasure-seeking and critical thinking. Artists who think in this direction often give a different meaning to so-called facts by deepening connections and imparting new content-related significance.“
The Venice International Art Biennale was founded in 1895 and for over a century has been considered the most prestigious international art center. Georgia first participated in it in 2007.
