Venetian Jet Set /Boat set
Russian Pavilion Russia is participating in the 55th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia with Russian artist Vadim Zakharov’s exhibition Danaë, curated by Udo Kittelmann. Vadim Zakharov’s show focuses on the ancient Greek myth of Danaë, the mother of Perseus by Zeus. The myth of Zeus and Danaë has inspired many works of art, Vadim Zakharov gives the mythological theme of Danaë an updated interpretation. Curator Udo Kittelmann says: “The Greek myth of the impregnation of Danaë is subjected to numerous readings: a falling shower of gold makes reference to the seduction of Danaë as an allegory for human desire and greed, but also to the corrupting influence of money. Through his artistic staging, Zakharov allows this ancient myth to find a contemporary temporal dimension. Philosophical, sexual, psychological, and cultural fragments become concentrated into a theater-like overall composition throughout the Pavilion rooms. The project has sculptural and pictorial elements and invites active participation by visitors to guarantee the flow of material goods (coins, peanuts, rose petals, people) as an ongoing process.” Vadim Zakharov. Danaë / Russian Pavilion at the 55th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Professional Preview, May 30, 2013.
English Magic by Jeremy Deller at the British pavilion in Venice The Observer’s art critic, Laura Cumming: ‘Deller, whose material is drawn straight from the life around him, from people’s experiences, from writing and history almost as it happens, is an enabler, intermediary, collaborator and all-round enlightenment artist. He has more intelligence and generosity of spirit than many of his predecessors in Venice and entirely deserves this pavilion.’
View looking at the Bridge of Sighs to the island San Giorgio Maggiore with the inflatable statute of british artist Marc Quinn .
Ragnar Kjartansson from Iceland ‘S.S. Hangover,’ a witty reproduction of a Viking ship,sailing through the waters of the Arsenale .
Marc Quinn-inflatable sculpture ‘Breath ‘at the Fondazione Cini ,island of San Giorgio Maggiore,Venice
Germany switched pavilions with France –and also decided to exhibit Chinese artist Ai Weiwei
Sarah Sze representing USA in the – American Pavilion ‘ triple point ‘(planetarium), 2013 wood, steel, plastic, stone, string, fans, overhead projectors, photograph of rock printed on tyvek, mixed media 249 x 216 x 198 inches (632.5 x 548.6 x 502.9 cm) © sarah sze, courtesy of the artist, tanya bonakdar gallery, new york, and victoria miro gallery, london