NSK State Pavilion
57th Venice Biennale [link]
Venice, Italy
May 11 – July 15, 2017
The NSK State Pavilion models itself on the inherent shortcomings (and aspirations of) applying a theory to a certain contemporary situation of historical importance. A hard-tilt slanted room with swaying floors and Borgesian passport desk are analogous to the precarious nature of the refugees’ situation in Europe. A selection of blank-page copies of the West’s foundational texts are indicative of the potential for complete change but also of the uselessness of those same texts to remain practical. Keep in mind that one of the most influential (and most popular) surveys of contemporary art in the 21st century is structured around a 19th century idea of nationalism.
~ Chad Dawkins
images courtesy of the author
