Entering the Canada Pavilion, especially on a rainy Tuesday, visitors are immediately enveloped by a wave of humidity. This warm embrace signals the remarkable transformation undertaken by artist Abbas Akhavan, who has reimagined the pavilion as a greenhouse for his installation, "Entre chien et loup," at this year's Venice Biennale.
The pavilion has undergone significant modifications, including the installation of grow lights, water misters, and a new ventilation system, along with protective measures for the wooden ceiling. A substantial 6,000-gallon water tank occupies much of the space, weighing approximately 25 tons. This ambitious endeavor turns the pavilion into a grand Wardian case--a Victorian-era terrarium designed to transport exotic plants across the British Empire. It also evokes the historic Crystal Palace, which showcased Queen Victoria's namesake water lilies during the 1851 Great Exhibition. The centerpiece of the exhibition features giant Victoria water lilies, which will flourish and fade in accordance with their natural life cycle throughout the event.
While some might perceive deeper meanings related to colonialism and exoticism in Akhavan's work, he invites viewers to engage with the installation on a different level. "I want people to experience these objects without the weight of historical baggage," he explains. The exhibition emphasizes collaboration, with curator Kim Nguyen noting that the water lily seeds were sourced from Kew Gardens, and the team worked closely with the Orto Botanico di Padova to ensure optimal growth conditions.
Akhavan's approach sees the pavilion as a harmonious extension of nature, integrating it further by cultivating the plants inside. The project embodies a "leap of faith," as the outcome of the lilies' growth remains uncertain. Akhavan acknowledges the unpredictability of nature, stating, "I didn't even have to choose to surrender. I had surrendered."
His artistic journey spans various mediums, reflecting on the complexities of identity and materiality. Akhavan's previous works have tackled themes of war and heritage, yet he resists being pigeonholed into a singular narrative. "I'm not here to destabilize or destroy the concept of Canada," he asserts, emphasizing a broader vision that transcends individual identity.
The exhibition's title, translating to "between dog and wolf," evokes the twilight when distinctions blur, much like the objects within the show. Viewers are challenged to reconsider their perceptions, as Akhavan's bronze-cast birch branches and volcanic rocks invite closer inspection. "These water lilies have a historical lineage that stretches far beyond our comprehension of time," he reflects, urging a more humble and open approach to the world and its myriad stories.
