Contraband: Unveiling the Hidden Realities
As we commemorate 25 exceptional years of Venice Agendas, an indomitable force at the Venice Biennales, we cannot overlook the projects and themes that have left their mark on this extraordinary platform. In the wake of the prevailing global events and the overarching theme of the Venice Biennale - "Everyone is a foreigner" - we are propelled back to the thought-provoking theme of "Crossing Boundaries" that resonated in 2017, aptly named Contraband.
The world today stands on a precipice, the landscape altered irreversibly from what it was 25 years ago. We find ourselves engulfed in a sea of volatility, with conflicts and occupations spanning the globe, and the unchecked perpetration of human rights abuses. This precarious state of affairs has transformed our world into a more treacherous place. Simultaneously, we encounter an existential threat where the very essence of freedom of speech is under attack. However, we must recognize that free speech is not just an external manifestation but also the embodiment of free thinking. When a door is forcibly shut on our speech, it simultaneously closes upon our imagination and intellectual capacity.
In this edition, we take immense pride in collaborating with Dover Arts Development, an avant-garde arts organization nestled within the echoing cadence of history, positioned at the forefront of issues revolving around gateways, trading posts, migration, and refugees. Together, we explore these pressing matters in relation to Venice, a city recognized as the vital gateway between the West and the East.
Contraband urges us to cast our gaze towards the concealed and obscured narratives. It challenges us to confront the untold stories, the enigmatic journeys of those seeking refuge, and the clandestine resistance against oppression. Through art, we strive to peel back the layers of falsehood and reveal the authentic truths often obscured by acts of subterfuge.
As we navigate the complexities of this theme, we delve into the concept of contraband, those forbidden commodities that flow surreptitiously and yet bear witness to a world in disarray. Our intention is not to glorify the illicit trade but to rouse contemplation on the dynamics and complex socio-political forces that give birth to these black markets. We aim to foster a dialogue that highlights the untold stories of those marginalized by these events.
Contraband embodies the spirit of exploration, shining a light on the uncharted territories of the human experience. Together with Dover Arts Development, we embark on a transformative journey that seeks to dismantle boundaries, challenge the status quo, and confront the hidden realities that shape our contemporary existence.
As we look back on 25 remarkable years, we honor the legacy of Venice Agendas by continuing our unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced, shedding light on the shadows, and endeavoring to bridge the divide between art, social discourse, and our shared humanity. For in doing so, we reaffirm our belief in the transformative power of art, and in our capacity to imagine a world where freedom of expression and thought transcend all boundaries.