The Venice Biennale - Belgium Pavilion

The Pavilion of Belgium at the Venice Biennale represents a fascinating meeting point between history, art, and politics. Inaugurated in 1907, it is one of the oldest pavilions of the Biennale, located in the Giardini della Biennale, one of the main venues of the exhibition. This pavilion has always played a prominent role in the international art scene, hosting world-renowned artists and reflecting the cultural and social evolutions of Belgium. Over the years, the Pavilion of Belgium has provided a platform for innovative artists who have explored various and complex themes, often related to Belgian history and society. The 2024 edition is no exception, with the participation of artist Francis Alÿs, known for his works that combine conceptual art and visual storytelling. Alÿs presents a series of installations and videos that explore the fragility of borders and dynamics of boundaries, themes of great relevance in a world marked by migrations and geopolitical conflicts. Alÿs’s exhibition, titled “Borderlines,” invites visitors to reflect on the arbitrary nature of national borders and the human stories intertwined within them. His works, often created in collaboration with local communities, offer a unique perspective on the lives of people living on the margins of society. Through videos, photographs, and installations, Alÿs captures moments of everyday life and resilience, showing how people find creative ways to overcome physical and social barriers. One of Alÿs’s most evocative works is a video documenting a game of “tug of war” between children on both sides of an invisible border. This simple game becomes a powerful metaphor for the tensions and hopes associated with borders, highlighting the innocence and creativity of children in the face of divisions created by adults. The artist also uses found materials and everyday objects to create installations that evoke the challenges and hopes of border communities. The history of the Pavilion of Belgium is rich in significant moments. Throughout its long participation in the Venice Biennale, the pavilion has hosted numerous internationally renowned artists, including René Magritte, Marcel Broodthaers, and Luc Tuymans. These artists have contributed to defining Belgium’s artistic identity, carrying on a tradition of innovation and experimentation. The pavilion has always sought to reflect the country’s cultural and social dynamics, using art as a means to explore and question reality. For example, in 2017, the Pavilion of Belgium hosted an exhibition by Dirk Braeckman, a photographer known for his enigmatic and suggestive images. His black and white photographs explore themes of memory and temporality, inviting visitors to reflect on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of collective memory. Braeckman uses overexposure techniques and large format printing to create works that are both intimate and monumental. The Pavilion of Belgium has also addressed political and social themes through its exhibitions. In 2019, the pavilion presented an exhibition by Jos de Gruyter and Harald Thys titled “Mondo Cane.” This exhibition explored power dynamics and inherent violence in contemporary society, using a combination of sculptures, videos, and installations. De Gruyter and Thys’s works create a dystopian world where human relationships are distorted and manipulated, offering a sharp critique of power structures and social inequality. The role of the Pavilion of Belgium at the Venice Biennale goes beyond simply exhibiting works of art. It represents a place of intercultural dialogue, where artists, curators, and the public can engage and exchange ideas. This dialogue is particularly important in an era of growing polarization and conflict, where art can play a crucial role in promoting understanding and tolerance.