‘A Poem about an Inland Sea’, The Ukrainian Pavilion, 52nd International Art Exhibition, Venice 2007

Serhiy Bratkov (UA), Alexander Hnilitsky/Lesia Zaiats (UA), Boris Mikhailov (UA), Juergen Teller (D), Mark Titchner (UK), Sam Taylor-Wood (UK) and Dzine (USA) have all produced work that offers a strong visual commentary on modern Ukraine.

Peter Doroshenko, President of the Pinchuk Art Centre in Kyiv, and Director of the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, has brought together 8 international artists to represent the Ukraine at the 52nd Venice Biennale, 2007.

"To represent Ukraine at the Venice Biennale before the whole world is a big honor. And we will realize this mission with a big responsibility. We hope that our experience of participating in world-scale art projects, a strong and professional team of art managers and our financial base will allow us to represent decently the contemporary Ukrainian context at the most influential artistic forum" - the founder of PinchukArtCentre Victor Pinchuk.

The exhibition, entitled ‘A Poem about an Inland Sea', features artists from the Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States who demonstrate a cohesive vision and commitment to exploring new and active roles for artists in society. They have all produced work that specifically aims to raise the questions - what is it to be Ukrainian? Who are the Ukrainian people? Where are the Ukrainian people?

The concept of transculturalism is inherent throughout the show. The belief is that as cultural systems of exchange evolve and are no longer constrained by outdated boundaries and regulations, people may experience a sense of both liberation and anxiety, as the old institution that once defined their identity has been challenged.

As a new democracy, Ukraine is interested in global contacts through culture. It is important for those who are interested in contemporary art to see the best artists and issues concerning Ukraine.

Born in the United States to Ukrainian parents, Peter Doroshenko has held the advisory role at the PinchukArtCentre since January 2007. These strong cultural links to the country have assisted his direction of show and the development of the questions it hopes to pose.

Making direct reference to Ukraine in their own unique way whilst adhering to the underlying theme, Serhiy Bratkov, Boris Mikhailov and Juergen Teller have all produced entirely new photographic work; Sam Taylor-Wood has made two new films, Alexander Hnilitsky/Lesia Zaiats have developed a two room video installation; Mark Titchner has fabricated two sculptures for the exterior of the pavilion; Dzine has manufactured a useable boat to be placed in the Canal.

"It is vital that various artists and arts professionals have the possibility to experience art, meet one another and talk. This project is a form of arts education, in that, people in Ukraine and outside Ukraine will read, research and inform themselves about this exhibition" - Peter Doroshenko

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