Acqua Ferita: water as a main theme of the Iraq Pavilion

The title of the Iraq Pavilion is "Acqua Ferita" (translated as "Wounded Water"). Six important Iraqi artists from two generations will interpret the theme of water in their works, which will make up the exhibition: Adel Abidin, Halim Al Karim, Ahmed Alsoudani, Ali Assaf, Azad Nanakeli, and Walid Siti. We have secured a marvellous and unusual venue in Venice - the Gervasuti Foundation - and the 6 selected Iraqi-born artists are currently working on artworks that will be executed specifically for the space, and include video, installation, painting and sculpture. The curator of the Venice Biennale, Bice Curiger, has requested that each Iraqi artist respond to five specific questions as part of her curatorial project which will be published in the official Biennale publication. In addition, the Pavilion will publish its own catalogue, to be distributed worldwide, detailing the artists and their works in Venice.