Rock, Paper, Scissors: Positions in Play


Venice, 57th International Art Biennal, 2012.

Client: Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation

Organization: National Pavilion United Arab Emirates

Director: Laila Binbrek

Coordinator: Farah El-Rafei

Artists: Nujoom Alghanem, Sara Al Haddad, Vikram Divecha Lantian Xie, Dr. Mohamed Yousif

Curator: Hammad Nasar

Contractor: Tosetto Allestimenti

Lighting: iGuzzini

Structures: Lorenzo Migliorini

Photo: Mohamed Somji, courtesy National Pailion UAE

Surface: 250sm

Pavilion’s design revolves around two binding elements: the existing structure, which divides the exhibition space into three aisles, and the location/size of the selected artworks. Pavilion consists of a raised platform, imagined to accommodate a two-dimensional artwork and a series of stand-alone supports, and an elongated volume, occupying the entire length of the side nave. The volume contains the exhibition wall, a dark-room, two storages, a reception area, alcoves for the artworks, a staircase and a mezzanine hidden in the upper part, in order to allow artworks’ sight from an elevated position.