Ireland’s representative at the 57th Venice Biennale has been announced as Jesse Jones. The Dublin-based artist is known for her films and videos addressing social and political issues. She has exhibited internationally, including in the 11th International Istanbul Biennial.
Jones will be collaborating with the Irish theatre actress Olwen Fouéré in a performance piece exploring Venice as an alternative site of the state.
On being selected, Jones commented: “Venice represents one of the most important moments in an artist’s career. I am excited about this challenge and about creating an exhibition that will stimulate debate on issues of urgent political and social relevance in Ireland and across the world.”
The Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, said: “Ireland’s success at Venice in recent years had led to an increased international awareness of the strength of Ireland’s visual arts sector.” He added that the Irish public will have the opportunity to see the exhibition when it tours after the Biennale.
Project Arts Centre in Dublin will be supporting the delivery of the exhibition. Tessa Giblin, curator of visual arts at the organisation, said: “I am so proud to be working with this incredible artist as we look ahead towards that most exciting and challenging of international stages: the Venice Biennale.”
Giblin and Jones have a long-standing working relationship, having first collaborated almost a decade ago on the solo show, The Spectre and The Sphere.
