PhD student’s exhibition curation crowned one of the best of 2019

Larissa Sansour Exhibition edited by Anthony Downey An exhibition at the Venice Biennale, curated by PhD student and curator Nat Muller, has been rated among the best exhibitions of 2019 according to influential industry publications, Apollo Magazine and Hyperallergic.

Using science fiction to encourage debate

‘Heirloom’ features the work of Larissa Sansour, a Danish-Palestinian artist whose recent work focuses on the use of science fiction to confront topical issues. The exhibition was comprised of a two-channel sci-fi film, a sculptural installation and an architectural intervention. They told the story of a post-apocalyptic world, inviting the viewer to engage with concepts such as memory, identity and the aftermath of ruin.

The exhibition was curated by Nat Muller. As well as conducting her PhD at the School of Art, she is also an experienced curator and art writer. Her work has been featured in a variety of publications, including Ocula, Hyperallergic, and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.

Critical success

The Danish Pavilion is one of many national pavilions showcasing art at the Biennale, but Nat and Larissa’s work has been singled out by art publications for its use of science fiction, engagement and its ability to capture the current climate.

Jasmina Cibic also praised the exhibition in the international art magazine, Apollo as part of their ‘Highlights of 2019’.

International prestige

Founded in 1895, the Venice Biennale is the highlight of the international arts calendar. By participating in the Biennale, Nat and Larissa join a host of influential and critically acclaimed artists and curators who have participated across the organisation’s history of innovation and artistic excellence.

Book launch

On December 12 at Copenhagen Contemporary, a book detailing the development of the artistic research for the exhibition was launched. The volume is edited by Prof. Anthony Downey and is part of his new series Research/Practice published by Sternberg Press/MIT Press. The book delves deeper into the pavilion exhibition, including interviews with the artist by Anthony Downey and Lindsey Moore and an essay from the curator.

If you want to find out more about the event, check out the video recap or watch Nat discuss the exhibition below.