At the opening ceremony, Fernando Benzo - Chairman of Acción Cultural Española - said he is convinced that "this project will demonstrate the originality and potential of Spanish contemporary creation to the public attending the biennale". Fernando Benzo also highlighted the "international nature of the cultural symbols" of this Spanish project in Venice.
In turn, the State Secretary for International Cooperation stressed that the biennale represents the best stage for showcasing the innovative nature of our creators and the wealth of a cultural and artistic heritage that constitutes one of the main hallmarks of Spain.
Spanish pavilion
The installation comprises a series of videos, sculptures and the space itself understood as architecture, but provisional. The central space, with its natural light, is the hub around which the entire installation is organised and sets the visual rhythm for the rest of the pavilion. It houses models, prototypes and objects used in the artistic actions shown in videos displayed on screens throughout the pavilion.
Each of these elements offers a vision reminiscent of a city fragment but at different scales and in an apparently precarious balance; a city on the verge of moving at any moment. The models, made from corrugated iron sections painted by the artist, are constantly being moved by powerful fans, which increases the feeling of constant vibration so characteristic of a city.
Using a system of steps and screens, Jordi Colomer has created a series of combinations that make up various environments and enhance the sensation of changing, unstable space. Visitors access various spaces, some for an almost individual vision and others occupied by a multitude of screens that can be viewed from various points of view thanks to the steps.
Spain at the biennale
The work by Acción Cultural Española is not limited to the Spanish pavilion but in fact also supports the Spanish artists Teresa Lanceta and Antoni Miralda, invited by the Commissioner General of the biennale, Christine Macel, to take part in the international exhibition entitled 'Viva Arte Viva'. Similarly, AC/E has also had the opportunity to collaborate with Antoni Abad on his international project during the biennale.
Furthermore, the Director of the Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Centre, Manuel Borja-Villel, has been appointed as Chairman of the International Panel of the Venice Biennale that will award the Golden Lion and select the best national pavilion.
Since 1950, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation has been directly responsible for the Spanish Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Since then, it has been making efforts to promote Spanish artistic heritage and talent. Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) has helped support contemporary creation at the Venice Biennale, both in the production of the Spanish pavilion and in the international selection. The hundreds of artists invited to exhibit and participate in the pavilion since the outset include Chillida, Tapiès, Susana Solano, Santiago Sierra and, more recently, Barceló, Dora García and Lara Almárcegui.
Pool Moncloa