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Lea Bismuth,Sally Bonn,Thierry Davila,Paul di Felice,Christophe Gallois,Helene Guenin,Beatrice Josse,Casino Luxembourg - Forum d'art contemporain, Luxe

Marco Godinho (Bilingual edition): Written by Water

Marco Godinho (Bilingual edition): Written by Water

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  • More about Marco Godinho (Bilingual edition): Written by Water


The 2019 Biennale di Venezia featured the Luxembourg pavilion's first new location on the Arsenale grounds and Marco Godinhos exhibition Written by Water, which explored the complex geopolitical dimension of the sea and the ongoing migration issues. The exhibition was accompanied by seven essays and a wide range of singular works and recent exhibitions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 17 December 2020
Publisher: Hatje Cantz


The 2019 Biennale di Venezia presented a unique and thought-provoking experience, with the Luxembourg pavilion assigned its first new location on the Arsenale grounds. The exhibition titled "Written by Water" by Marco Godinhos was an all-the-more impressive research on how we move in a world deeply engaged with current migration issues and their relation to the sea.

The sea has fascinated humanity for centuries, with its endless legends, adventures, and voyages of discovery that have further connected us. However, behind the romantic façade, a complex geopolitical dimension with a far darker chapter has been hidden since the early twenty-first century, at the latest. Waves of failed attempts at migration continue to occur today.

"Written by Water" is a geopoetic odyssey that takes a reverse path of today's migratory routes across the Mediterranean, the cradle of modern society and the birthplace of founding narratives that underpin our common heritage. The exhibition's documentation is accompanied by seven essays that are just as thought-provoking and offer a wide range of singular works and recent exhibitions from the past fifteen years.

The exhibition showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, including sculptures, installations, and videos that explore the themes of migration, displacement, and the human condition. The works invite viewers to reflect on the complexities of our contemporary world and the challenges faced by migrants and refugees.

One of the standout works in the exhibition is a large-scale installation by artist duo Nairy Baghram and Rami Farah. Titled "The Sea Is a Border," the installation consists of a series of interconnected metal structures that evoke the image of a border wall. However, instead of dividing people, the structures serve as a symbol of unity and connection, as they stretch across the sea and connect the shores of different countries.

Another notable work is a sculpture by artist Hrach Keshishyan titled "The Wanderer." The sculpture depicts a figure walking alone on a barren landscape, carrying a heavy load on his back. The figure's journey is a metaphor for the arduous journey of migration, as it represents the physical and emotional toll that it takes on individuals.

The exhibition also features a series of videos that document the experiences of migrants and refugees. One of the most powerful videos is titled "The Sea Is a Bridge," which was created by artist duo Jafar Panahi and Mojtaba Mirtahmasb. The video follows a group of migrants as they cross the Mediterranean Sea on a small boat, risking their lives in search of a better future. The video captures the sheer desperation and hopelessness of the migrants, as well as the resilience and determination that they exhibit in the face of adversity.

Overall, the 2019 Biennale di Venezia's "Written by Water" exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art and the complexities of our globalized world. The exhibition offers a powerful and thought-provoking perspective on migration and its relation to the sea, and it encourages viewers to reflect on the role that we can play in addressing these pressing issues.

Weight: 1346g
Dimension: 214 x 280 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783775748148

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