First-Time Notable Palestinian Participation in Venice Biennale

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First-Time Notable Palestinian Participation in Venice Biennale

Date:
10-06-2009
 
 
The 53rdInternational Arts Exhibit, the Venice Biennale, opened this week in Venice with a first of its kind Palestinian participation, a joint exhibit entitled "Palestine c/o Venice." The Palestinian exhibit was inaugurated by HE Leila Shahid, Palestine's Ambassador to Belgium and Ms. Luisa Morgantini, Vice-President of the European Parliament.
Seven Palestinian artists were commissioned to create new artworks that correspond to the Palestinian social, cultural and political realities and address local and international themes, i.e., create artworks that represent Palestinian issues within an international artistic discourse. The resulting artworks utilized various techniques, including sound and multimedia installations, artworks within a specific space, animated movies, photography and videotaping. The themes also varied, corresponding to the spirit of the international exhibit and creatively addressing the concept of dialogue of cultures.

The artworks presented in this event reflect a remarkable Palestinian presence. In his work, artist Khalil Rabah seeks to revive the geography of fifty Palestinian villages. Artist Taysir Batniji from Gaza presented a portrait of local flowers that artistically raises several deep questions ranging between reality and dream. The artwork by artist Emily Jacir takes us to the history of Venice as a contact point between Europe and Arabs. Sandi Hilal from Bethlehem and Alessandro Petti from Italy presented a portrait titled "Ramallah Syndrome," discussing the perception of freedom in Ramallah City. The panoramic artwork of Jawad Al-Malhi reflects different sides of Shufat refugee camp, shedding light on the realities of Palestinian lives under the Israeli occupation.

In celebration of the Palestinian participation in this important exhibit, six arts centers in Jerusalem and the West Bank are displaying replicas of the artworks parallel to their presentation in the Venice Biennale, which will last through 30 September 2009. The Palestinian participation comes as a result of years of relentless efforts by Salwa Mikdadi, Vittorio Urbani and Rana Sadik with major support from Welfare Association, the Khaled Shoman Foundation / Darat Al Funun (A Home for the Arts) and members of the Palestinian community in Europe.

Dr. Attalla Shafiq Kuttab, Director General of Welfare Association, expressed satisfaction with this achievement by the Palestinian art. "This event is a unique opportunity for Palestine to record its presence through an exceptional first participation that has made a notable impact on both visitors and participants in the exhibit," he said. "We in Welfare Association seek to support such efforts as part of our mission. We would like to see this creative work reach beyond geographical borders and constraints imposed by the occupation. We would like to see it continue and communicate with the world using art as a high-ranking global mission and a unified and unrestricted language."

To access photos of the participating Palestinian artworks, follow this link:

www.palestinecoveniceb09.org/press_access_images.html

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