The 58th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, titled May You Live in Interesting Times, took place from May 11 to November 24, 2019. Curated by Ralph Rugoff, this edition tackled themes reflecting the complexities of contemporary reality, particularly the uncertainties and ambiguities associated with the digital age and global socio-political changes. Rugoff curated the Biennale to emphasize the role of art in encouraging critical thinking and embracing diverse perspectives, all set against a backdrop where misinformation and multiple realities complicate our understanding of truth. The exhibition included works from 79 artists, including both emerging and established names, who explored a variety of media—from traditional paintings and sculptures to immersive installations and virtual reality. A significant focus was on interactivity and immersive experiences, inviting visitors to question and reflect upon their own perceptions and the broader societal narratives they encounter daily. A key highlight of the Biennale was the Lithuanian pavilion, which won the Golden Lion for its eco-conscious installation, Sun & Sea (Marina), a performance piece that combined opera and a beach scene to comment on climate change. This work, along with others, underscored the exhibition's thematic resonance with the environmental and socio-political issues of our times. This Biennale’s curatorial direction leaned toward art that could "hold multiple meanings" and encourage viewers to remain open to complex interpretations, making it one of the most socially and politically engaging editions in recent years.
Artist Statement
At the 58th Venice Biennale, my work, [The Birth of Venus], delves into the intricate interplay between human identity and the natural world. Inspired by the Biennale’s theme, May You Live in Interesting Times,
I wanted to explore how we navigate and redefine our sense of self amid the tumult of modernity and the constant flow of information.
The piece—a surreal fusion of a human face emerging from a seashell—symbolizes a reawakening, a return to nature, and the layers of identity we construct and conceal. The shell acts as both a shield and an extension of self, encapsulating themes of protection, isolation, and metamorphosis. By integrating bold colors and dreamlike textures, I aim to create an immersive experience that challenges viewers to reflect on their connection to the world around them and within.
This work seeks to offer a moment of introspection amidst the noise, encouraging viewers to peel back the layers of their own identities and consider what it means to belong to both nature and society.
Reinterpreting the classical myth through a surreal, dreamlike lens, the human face emerges from within a seashell, symbolizing a rebirth that blends the natural and human worlds. This visual narrative aligns with the Biennale's theme, May You Live in Interesting Times, exploring identity and transformation amidst the complexities of the modern world.
The shell not only echoes Botticelli’s Venus but also serves as a metaphorical layer of identity—one that is both protective and isolating. By integrating vibrant, otherworldly colors and textures, I invite viewers to experience a sense of emergence and introspection, challenging them to consider the interplay between personal identity and collective existence in our ever-evolving environment.
This work seeks to offer a modern mythology, encouraging viewers to reflect on what it means to reconnect with nature and embrace one’s authentic self amid the tumult of contemporary life.
The Birth of Venus at the 2019 Biennale Arte
58th International Art Exhibition of la Biennale di Venezia | Collateral Events - Palazzo Ca' Zenobio - Dorsoduro 2596. May 10, 2019.
As part of the "Thirst" exhibition representing Bangladesh (People's Republic), the graphic narrative within the pavilion unfolds through five distinct stages: crisis, intuition, hope, knowledge, and purification. The journey begins with a phase of crisis, where artworks vividly illustrate the struggles and suffering of a society grappling with the dire consequences of drought and pollution.
The exhibition then transitions to artworks that evoke the intuition associated with water—the mental perception of redemption and the potential for salvation from initial hardships. The next stage embodies hope, illustrated through the image of a boat on a quest for water. In the fourth stage, the discovery of water signifies the attainment of knowledge. Finally, the last section of the exhibition presents a source that symbolizes the fulfillment and vitality that come with quenching one’s thirst, embodying the essence of thriving.
Claiming Their Universe: Woman's Essence
From a subject and source of inspiration rooted in the history of art, women are asserting their universe through a collaborative artistic endeavor that transcends sexist boundaries. Woman's Essence is an international project that fosters a vibrant dialogue, continuously sharing the stories of contemporary artists from around the globe, each enriched by their unique experiences and diverse cultures. This interconnected narrative is one we are committed to weaving together.
In our latest project, titled "A," a collateral event of the official pavilion, we delve into the concept of water. This element is deeply intertwined with femininity—symbolic, profound, and often hidden beneath the surface. While water may appear invisible at first glance, it nurtures life in ways that are not immediately obvious. It is ductile, passive, fluid, and receptive, flowing effortlessly and drawing along everything in its path. Without barriers, water disperses freely, yet it brings forth fertility wherever it flows.
Water and women share a bond of unpredictability and creativity, embodying a duality that is both mysterious and intense. They reflect the impulsiveness and vitality of water, revealing the depth of their souls in a way that is both enchanting and powerful.
Curators: Laura Francesca Di Trapani, Natalia Gryniuk
Collegio Armeno Moorat-Raphael, Dorsoduro 2596, Venice
May 10, 2019
Biennale Arte 2019 | Collateral Events at Palazzo Ca' Zenobio
As part of the Collateral Events at Biennale Arte 2019, artist Sephora Venites presented [The Birth of Venus] at the historic Palazzo Ca' Zenobio, located in the Dorsoduro district of Venice. This artwork serves as a contemporary interpretation of The Birth of Venus, merging classical myth with a surreal, dreamlike aesthetic that aligns with the Biennale's theme, May You Live in Interesting Times.
The piece features a human face emerging from within a seashell, symbolizing rebirth and the ongoing transformation of identity. The shell functions as both a vessel and a barrier, embodying themes of protection and isolation while inviting viewers to reflect on the layered nature of selfhood in a complex, rapidly changing world. Through vibrant colors and surreal textures, the work bridges the natural and human realms, offering a modern mythology that resonates with current themes of identity and reinvention.
Set within the evocative setting of the Armenian Collegio Moorat-Raphael at Palazzo Ca' Zenobio, Venites's piece creates a contemplative experience, allowing viewers a moment of introspection amidst Venice’s dynamic cultural landscape. The artwork encourages visitors to engage with their own sense of self and to consider the intricate relationship between humanity and nature.
