Herman de Vries Knihy

The traditional landscape genre was radically transformed in the 1960s when many artists stopped merely representing the land and made their mark directly in the environment. Drawn by the vast uncultivated spaces of the desert and mountain as well as post-industrial wastelands, artists such as Michael Heizer, Nancy Holt or Robert Smithson moved earth to create colossal primal symbols. Others punctuated the horizon with man-made signposts, such as Christo's Running Fence or Walter de Maria's Lightning Field. Journeys became works of art for Richard Long whilst Dennis Oppenheim and Ana Mendieta immersed their bodies in the contours of the land.

As part of the 54th International Art Exhibition- la Biennale di Venezia, Personal Structures showcases 28 artists from 12 countries across 5 continents. This exhibition, held in 24 rooms at Venice's Palazzo Bembo by the Rialto Bridge, features a mix of established and emerging artists united by their exploration of Time, Space, and Existence. Curated by Karlyn De Jongh and Sarah Gold, each room is dedicated to a single artist, creating a unique atmosphere through their recent works, which include site-specific pieces and those from their studios. The diverse artistic media on display encompass videos, sculptures, paintings, photographs, light installations, wallpaper, and performance art. Personal Structures is part of a broader international project initiated in 2002 by Dutch artist Rene Rietmeyer, who recognized the global engagement of artists with these themes. His vision of connecting these artists through publications, exhibitions, and symposia has culminated in this remarkable gathering, highlighting the personal expressions of artists from even the most remote corners of the world.