The Türkiye Pavilion presents Hollow and Broken: A State of the World, a site-specific installation by Gülsün Karamustafa. The work reflects the artist’s contemplation of current affairs on various scales, from inter-personal to inter-national, encompassing themes of deficiency and desolation.
Space plays a central role in the exhibition, with Karamustafa drawing inspiration from the rectangular shape of the Sale d’Armi, reminiscent of the dimensions of the historical Hippodrome of Constantinople in Istanbul, and the building’s former history, reinforcing her connection with the surroundings.
Upon entering the Pavilion, visitors encounter three striking chandeliers suspended from above, crafted from discarded Venetian glass, each representing a monotheistic faith: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. These luminous symbolic objects are shrouded in a web of barbed wire – conveying the historical tensions and quarrels between each religion and serving as a lens through which she explores the state of our world today. Hollow, plastic moulds that resemble concrete columns are scattered throughout the space, the choice of materials starkly contrasting the traditional associations to glory, artillery and power. Shattered Venetian glass emerges as a recurring motif within the installation as a material that resonates deeply with Karamustafa’s feelings. Situated within the pavilion are four dismantled wheeled carts – with their ends cut off on either side – loaded with discarded remnants of Murano glass shards, evoking the transportation of heavy cargo. These works directly link to the historical significance of the Sale d’Armi, once Venice’s largest production centre during the pre-industrial era and a potent symbol of military power. The project also includes a new film by the artist, comprising black and white images from found propaganda footage depicting migration, war, and demonstrations from around the globe.
The Türkiye Pavilion exhibition is coordinated by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV). The 60th International Art Exhibition, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, will be held from April 20 to November 24, 2024. The biennial’s title and theme have been announced as Foreigners Everywhere.
