PinchukArtCentre presents Ukraine at the 52nd Venice Biennale

The PinchukArtCentre, one of the largest contemporary art centers in the Eastern Europe, will present Ukraine at the 52^nd International exhibition of contemporary arts in Venice (La Biennale di Venezia) which will last from June 7^th through   November 21^st 2007.

The PinchukArtCentre, one of the largest contemporary art centers in the Eastern Europe, will present Ukraine at the 52^nd International exhibition of contemporary arts in Venice (La Biennale di Venezia). Peter Doroshenko, President of the PinchukArtCenter Peter Doroshenko, and chief of the Ukrainian pavilion, announced the centre's participation during a recent press conference.

"For many countries, attracting leading cultural institutes to present their achievements in modern arts is becoming the world trend. The PinchukArtCentre has become such an institution in Ukraine", Doroshenko said.

According to the PinchukArtCentre Director Dmitry Logvin, the Ukraine's Ministry of culture proposed that the Centre present Ukraine at the 52^nd International Exhibition of contemporary arts. "Two years ago, we announced that we would run an exhibition in Venice in 2007. Together with our president Peter Doroshenko and our curators, we developed a concept for our participation in the 52^nd Venice Biennale. And when we received an official proposal from the authorities to present Ukraine at this biennale, we accepted it. It's an honor and pride to us."

"The Ukrainian exposition, entitled "Poem of the Inland Sea" will be placed in one of the most ancient Venetian palaces - Palazzo Papadopoli - and be open for visitors from June 7^th through   November 21^st 2007," Doroshenko said.

 "The art project name "Poem of the Inland Sea" echoes the name of the famous film "Poem of the Sea" made from the script of noted Ukrainian director Aleksandr Dovzhenko. The project will show the authors' common vision and their quest to explore the artists' new and active role in a society. The exhibition is expected to raise the questions: what does it mean to be a Ukrainian? Who are the Ukrainians? Where are they, the Ukrainians?", - Doroshenko said.

The international artists who are engaged in the project will look at Ukraine from "the inside and from within".  At present, all artists are concerned with new works being created purposefully for the Biennale. Among the participants of the projects: Serghey Bratkov (Ukraine), Aleksandr Gnilitskiy and Lesya Zajets (Ukraine), Boris Mikhailov (Ukraine), Juergen Teller (Germany/UK), Mark Titchner (UK), Sam Taylor-Wood (UK), Dzine (Karlos Rolon; USA).

Mr. Doroshenko has also noted that the place of Ukrainian exposition will have advantages over other exhibitions, which are mainly displayed indoors. "We have chosen a palazzo near the water, with a berth and inner garden. Inside the palazzo, on the ground and first floors, the photo and video installations will be displayed, and in the inner garden we will display sculpture. On the water we will have a boat made by one of the artists", - Doroshenko said.

The PinchukArtCentre presented an exhibition "First Acquisitions" at the 51^st Venice Biennale in 2005, independently of the state exposition. The exposition took place in Palazzo Papadopoli and displayed the artworks of Ukrainian artists Vassiliy Tsygalov, Arsen Savadov, Boris Mikhailov, as well as the works of artists from Denmark, Germany, France and Japan.

La Biennale di Venezia is one of the world's most prestigious cultural institutions. Starting from its establishment in 1895, it has played an important role in forwarding new art-trends and arranging the world events on contemporary art development. Today the Venice Biennale includes: The International Cinematographic Festival, The International Modern Art Exhibition, The International Architecture Exhibition, The Modern Music Festival, The Modern Theatre Festival and The Modern Dance Festival. Annually, more than 320 000 visitors attend the Venice Biennale events.

PinchukArtCentre is one of the biggest contemporary art centers in the Eastern Europe. Among its major activities, are exhibitions, support to various cultural projects, and other programs.  Since its opening in September 2006, more than 55 000 people have visited the gallery and its events.