"A field of wheat, constructed by a group of recent political prisoners from the country-where freedom of expression is harshly repressed-rises up from a soil bed. Above it, straw spiders, a Belarusian symbol of home protection, have been cast out of metal prison bars."
"The scent of what the co-curator Daniella Kaliada describes as 'a warm August afternoon at a small cemetery in a village with a freshly dug grave', created by the Ukrainian studio ol.factory, fills the air, while testimonies from the prisoners are read out by A-list celebrities including Stephen Fry and Gillian Anderson."
"A number of works explore the issue of surveillance, including a 17th-century Dutch confession booth that, when you enter, runs a (randomised, for GDPR purposes) facial recognition process on you."
The Belarus pavilion features a striking installation of wheat created by recent political prisoners, symbolizing repression of freedom of expression. The pavilion includes metal straw spiders and a unique scent designed to evoke a specific emotional response. Celebrity readings of prisoner testimonies enhance the experience. Additionally, a 17th-century Dutch confession booth incorporates facial recognition technology, highlighting issues of surveillance. This marks Belarus's first independent contribution to the Biennale, emphasizing the importance of these artistic expressions in addressing political themes.
Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events
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