The Venice Biennale provides an amazing art overload for the visitor and so I thought it would be nice to take the time to revisit the 2013 version which i visited in September. Which works left a lasting impression? Which artists were googled after coming home?
Joana Vasconcelos, Trafaria Praia, 2013
A Lisbon ferry was brought to Venice by the Portugese contemporary artist Joana Vasconcelos to address what Lisbon and Venice have in common in their history: water and navigation. The sides of the boat were covered with blue and white tiles depicting a contemporary view of Lisbon’s skyline and on the deck a textile and light installation was shown for the 55th Biennale visitors.
Joana Vasconcelos is currently showing in the Manchester Art Gallery till 1st of June (‘Time Machine‘) and it all looks extremely colourful and exuberant. She basically takes over the whole space, inside and outside, to offer a highly personal critique on contemporary society by highlighting issues such as the status of women, class distinction and national identity .
Joana Vasconcelos, Britannia, 2014
The highlight of the exhibition is the world premiere of a new textile work that has been commissioned as a site-specific installation for the gallery’s staircase. ‘Britannia’ is a fabric patchwork that weaves together knitting and crochet with fine silk, cotton velvets, recycled clothes and industrially produced textiles embellished with Portuguese tassels, crystals and beads.
Joana Vasconcelos, A Noiva [The Bride], 2001-2005
Joana Vasconcelos, Piano Dentelle, 2008-2011
Joana Vasconcelos, Lilicoptère, 2012
Joana Vasconcelos,True Faith, 2014
This exhibition looks like a colourful journey into the extravagant world of Joana Vasconcelos!
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