Switzerland 2019

Title: “Moving Backwards”
Curator: Charlotte Laubard
Commissioner: Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia – Marianne Burki, Head of Visual Arts; Sandi Paucic, Project Leader; Rachele Giudici Legittimo, Project Coordinator
Artists: Pauline Boudry and Renate Lorenz

“Moving Backwards” is a vast immersive installation presented by artist duo Pauline Boudry / Renate Lorenz for the Swiss Pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale, including a new video. The work reflects upon the current political situation, characterised by an attitude of closure toward the others and whatever is different. On the other hand, Boudry and Lorenz’s project examines movements of resistance, like guerrilla techniques, postmodern choreography and urban dance, as well as elements of queer underground culture. They suggest, in particular, “backward movements” as alternative tools of action against this political trend.

The large film installation involves other performers such as Julie Cunningham, Werner Hirsch, Latifa Laâbissi, Marbles Jumbo Radio and Nach, invited to experiment with backward movements. Viewers are provided with an immersive environment, enriched by moments of reflection conveyed by a free journal, containing statements by authors in the fields of philosophy, art, political activism, post-colonial and queer theories.