Vadim Zakharov. Danaë / Russian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2013

Russia is participating in the 55th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia with Russian artist Vadim Zakharov’s exhibition Danaë, curated by Udo Kittelmann. Vadim Zakharov’s show focuses on the ancient Greek myth of Danaë, the mother of Perseus by Zeus. The myth of Zeus and Danaë has inspired many works of art, including the picture by Rembrand which was damaged in 1985 by a madman who threw sulphuric acid onto the canvas. Vadim Zakharov gives the mythological theme of Danaë an updated interpretation. Curator Udo Kittelmann 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. Through his artistic staging, Zakharov allows this ancient myth to find a contemporary temporal dimension. Philosophical, sexual, psychological, and cultural fragments become concentrated into a theater-like overall composition throughout the Pavilion rooms. The project has sculptural and pictorial elements and invites active participation by visitors to guarantee the flow of material goods (coins, peanuts, rose petals, people) as an ongoing process.”

Vadim Zakharov. Danaë / Russian Pavilion at the 55th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Professional Preview, May 30, 2013.

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