The starting point is Walter Benjamin’s text, On The Concept of History, in which he describes the history of humanity as a “chain of events”, events which retrospectively take on the appearance of a single catastrophe. Despite this growing “pile of debris”, humanity’s desire for progress drives us inexorably, blindly into the future.
Benjamin wrote the text in 1939 at the onset of the Second World War, which forced him to flee as a result of his heritage and led him to commit suicide a year later. His sombre view of the world is challenged by alternative views on events by young artists – events which have inspired them and have positively shaped their lives and the lives of those around them. A particular focus is the influence of coming from or living in a small country. The artists’ subjective and critical perspectives provide a glimpse into life in a microstate and simultaneously address the process of constructing history.
The artists are on site for the duration of the ten-day Collateral Event and will develop their work during this time. They will present their artistic practice within a programme involving short talks and feedback discussions; visitors will be engaged by varied means, including performances.
The exhibition The Silver Lining will be housed in the Palazzo Trevisan courtesy of the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, also home to the Salon Suisse.
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VENUE
Palazzo Trevisan degli Ulivi
Campo S. Agnese-Dorsoduro 810
I-30123 Venice
T +39 041 241 18 10
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OPENING PERIOD
24 October – 1 November 2015
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CURATORS
Kunstverein Schichtwechsel
Laura Hilti, Luis Hilti, Annett Höland, Flurina Seger
www.schichtwechsel.li
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PROJECT LEADER
Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
Friedemann Malsch, Thomas Soraperra
www.kunstmuseum.li
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SUPPORTERS
Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein Marketing
Liechtenstein Cultural Foundation
Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia (providing the exhibition space at the Palazzo Trevisan degli Ulivi)
