VENICE: The Sultanate of Oman Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, which ends on Nov. 22, is asking visitors to slow down and engage with unexpected materials — and fellow guests.
“We are bringing sand from a desert in Oman to Venice,” artist and curator Haitham Al-Busafi told Arab News recently. “It is important that the floor is not a symbolic image of the desert, but a real material presence.”
And that “real” space, called “Zinah,” sets it apart from the numerous other pavilions at Arsenale Artiglierie.
Upon entering the space, the silver canopy overhead begins to respond to footsteps, as stealthily placed laser sensors capture motion. (Supplied)
Merging his background in architecture with his love of virtual production, immersive technology and deep-rooted Omani heritage, Al-Busafi found a way to include it all in his new installation.
