Venice Biennale: Vadim Zakharov
Vadim Zakharov’s ‘Danaë’ project at the 55th Venice Biennale references issues of a contemporary society and defines a new vision for an ancient Greek myth.
‘Danaë’ is a mythological allegory that tells the tale of a woman, Danaë, who is locked in a cave by her father to protect her from being impregnated. Despite her father’s efforts Zeus comes to Danaë in a falling shower of gold and she falls pregnant.
A golden rain of coins flows from the upper to the lower story of the pavilion in a reference to the myth; the first time the two storeys of the building have been united in a single project. The lower storey is accessible only to women, who armed with umbrellas are sheltered from the falling coins. Zakarov highlights that “this is not sexism but merely follows the logic of the anatomical construction of the myth.”
Udo Kittelmann the project’s creator says “The Greek myth of the impregnation of Danaë is subjected to numerous readings: a falling shower of gold makes reference to the seduction of Danaë as an allegory for human desire and greed, but also to the corrupting influence of money.”
‘Danaë’ is on display until Sunday 24 November 2013 at the Russian Pavilion at the 55th Venice Biennale.
This post forms part of fluoro’s coverage of the 55th Venice Biennale.
