French artist Josèfa Ntjam enchants Venice with her new immersive exhibition “Swell of spæc(i)es”, on view until November 24 as part of the 60th Art Biennale. This exhibition, the first major commission outside Berlin by the LAS Art Foundation, invites the public to plunge into a mythical cosmic marine universe.
In a singular and original atmosphere, Josèfa Ntjam, performer, artist and writer, weaves a new myth of creation, in which plankton occupies a central place. This micro-organism, meeting point between the marine abyss and space, biological and mythical kingdoms, possible pasts and potential futures, becomes the heart of a supernatural cyclical ecosystem. The “Swell of spæc(i)es” exhibition transports the public into an immersive mythical universe, enriched by a soundscape and a film by Fatima al Qadiri. Projected onto a large curved LED wall, this implausible panorama of fantastic creatures captivates visitors. Suspended jellyfish, fragments of narrative, membranes broadcasting electro-acoustic frequencies, these unusual sculptures create a soothing atmosphere conducive to discovery.
In recent years, Josèfa Ntjam has been exploring the political and imaginary dimensions of the oceans. From slavery to environmental crises, colonization and capitalism, the French artist is interested in this liquid form of the world, witness to narratives of domination but also of resistance, liberation and creation. With “Swell of spæc(i)es“, she invites the public to share her fascination for plankton, an agent of alchemical transformation. Inspired by Dogon cosmogony and a scientific discovery of the presence of marine debris, including plankton, on an ancient planet, the contemporary artist tells the story of Amma, the Dogon divinity who created the stars, and the Nommos, the first marine creatures.
This exhibition combines a multitude of elements to create a stunning mythical environment. 3D animation, aquarium images, AI-generated characters and digital tools blend together in a cyclical tale of creation, transformation and reappearance. The exhibition’s mythical universe draws on the influences of electronic music duo Drexciya, whose mythology tells the story of an underwater population born from the ruins of Atlantic human trade, and Sun Ra, who envisioned Saturn as the host planet for people of the African diaspora.
The “Swell of spæc(i)es” exhibition invites the public to explore a universe at the crossroads of the cosmos and the deep sea. The artist’s sound sculptures, made from innovative materials such as biosourced resin and reishi mycelium, transport you into a fascinating aquatic world. Designed by architecture studio UNA / UNLESS, the pavilion hosting the exhibition takes the form of a triangular prism in purplish-blue hues. A veritable ode to the ocean and space, it is set in the heart of the courtyard of Venice’s Academy of Fine Arts.
The contemporary artist invites the public to participate in the creation of unique hybrid plankton species. By merging her research data with photographs of plankton captured by ISMAR, visitors will be able to give life to extraordinary marine creatures. These virtual creatures will then populate an immersive digital ecosystem that will be broadcast on site. A unique interactive experience that will delight young and old alike.
The “Swell of spæc(i)es” exhibition is accompanied by a rich and varied public and educational program, developed in collaboration with Ocean Space, ISMAR and the Venice Academy of Fine Arts. Lectures, workshops and meetings will enable you to deepen your knowledge of Josèfa Ntjam’s artistic universe. “Swell of spæc(i)es” is an immersive, interactive exhibition that transports you into a fascinating marine world. An invitation to discover, create and reflect from an artistic point of view.
