Southern Thoughts on a Northern Biennale

Observations and reflections on the European and North American art world from the perspective of Southern Hemisphere artists and art practitioners, with a focus on the Venice Biennale. A critical examination of the resurgence of interest in African art and explores issues around representation, inclusion, power imbalances, and ongoing coloniality in the global art world. Content production: Laura Burocco Interviewed: Acaye Kerunen, artist Uganda Pavilion Afroscope, artist Ghana Pavilion Ame Bel, curator South African Pavilion Anonymous Namibian Artist Anonymous Pavilion’s assistant The Botswana Pavillion Collin Sekajugo, artist Uganda Pavilion Diego Araúja, Brazilian artist Ghana Pavilion Fadzai Muchemwa, curator Zimbabwean Pavilion Katya García-Antón, co- curator Sámi Pavilion Na Chainkua Reindorf, artist Ghana Pavilion Phumulani Ntuli, artist South African Pavilion Robel Temesgen, Ethiopian artist part of the African Art in Venice Forum Roger Ballen, artist South African Pavilion Shaheen Merali, curator Uganda Pavilion Solange Pessoa, Brazilian artist part of the main exhibition

Introduction

In this episode, key topics include the layout and history of the Venice Biennale reflecting colonial imperialism, the challenges faced by African countries in gaining representation, the exceptional position of women in the institution's history, the superficial sense of worldliness and status hierarchies embodied by the Biennale, and the need to address inequalities in access to resources. Insights are provided through interviews and perspectives from various artists, curators, and art professionals.

12-11
39:27

The Rise of African Art

This episode provides an in-depth overview and analysis of African and Afro-diasporic artists' experiences participating in the Venice Biennale art exhibition. It examines issues related to the lack of financial resources, visa challenges, and curatorial politics that present obstacles for African artists.

12-11
40:40

A Remarkable Achievement

This episode examines the challenges, opportunities, and complexities that come with being part of this major international event and how despite various issues, the Venice Biennale is still seen as a remarkable achievement and platform for visibility.

12-11
53:55

3 A Remarkable Achievement

The podcast discusses observations and reflections on the European and North American art world from the perspective of artists of the Southern Hemisphere, with a focus on the Venice Biennale. In this episode, we reflect on the challenges of participating African countries, the impact of visibility, a need to re-think formats, and the potential to affirm marginalised narratives. Link to References · Link to Datasheet · · Gentrilogy · Laura Burocco Instagram · Laura Burocco Email

12-19
56:03

2 African Art in the Global Market

The podcast provides perspectives on the Venice Biennale art exhibition from African and Afro-diaspora artists and curators. It examines the global art market dynamics, access and funding disparities between the Global North and South, the National Pavillion format that enables exploitation, and the impacts of participating in the Venice Biennale. Link to References · Link to Datasheet · · Gentrilogy · Laura Burocco Instagram · Laura Burocco Email

12-19
40:15

1 An Overview of the Path of the Venice Biennale - inception to the entry of actors from the South

The podcast discusses observations and reflections on the European and North American art world from the perspective of artists of the Southern Hemisphere, with a focus on the Venice Biennale. It provides a critical examination of the interest in African art and explores issues of representation, inclusion, power imbalances, and ongoing coloniality in the global art world. Insights are provided through interviews and perspectives from various artists, curators, and art professionals. Link to References · Link to Datasheet · · Gentrilogy · Laura Burocco Instagram · Laura Burocco Email

12-19
39:32

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