Ark Re-Imagined - The Expeditionary Pavilion

On the occasion of the first ever participation of Iraq at the Biennale Architettura, Ocean Space and Healing Arts Venice will host a conversation between Rashad Salim, artist and Pavilion exhibitor, and Markus Reymann, director of the TBA21–Academy, on the Ark Re-Imagined project and its manifestation in Venice as the "expeditionary pavilion".

The project returns to the origins of Iraq’s architectural legacy, celebrating the vernacular architecture, watercraft, and ecology of the Tigris-Euphrates river system. Salim’s expeditionary art practice engages artisans and interdisciplinary co-researchers to explore traditional boatbuilding, architecture and craft practices – on the brink of extinction after decades of conflict, climate change and most recently COVID-19 – and develops the contemporary role of this heritage as a source of knowledge, healing, inspiration, collaboration, and direct engagement with the land and waters – including now those of Venice.

This is the inaugural event of Ark Re-Imagined's Pavilion programme developed in conversation with Healing Arts Venice. Introductory remarks will be by Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza, founder and chairwoman of TBA21, and George Richards, director of Community Jameel, one of the piloti del padiglione for the Iraq Pavilion.

PHOTO: Photo Abu el Hassan- Abu Hyder and Rashad -Qishla old Baghdad

In line with the rules to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the capacity of Ocean Space has been reduced to guarantee a safe experience.

Participation is free but reservation is required at this link.

Masks must be worn inside Ocean Space (properly covering both nose and mouth) for the duration of the event and hands must be sanitized with the provided sanitizer upon entrance. A temperature check will be carried out at the entrance. Social distancing of at least 1 metre between visitors.

For real-time updates of local COVID containment measures visit
https://www.regione.veneto.it/web/guest/emergenza-coronavirus