Sonia Boyce opens in Venice, curated by Modern Art Oxford Chief Curator

Four large flat screens with singers against a wall surrounded by a kaleidoscope of images, colourful shapes and shiny gold geometric sculptures of different shapes on a grey floor.
Photo: Cristiano Corte © British Council

Spring 2022 marks the launch of the prestigious La Biennale di Venezia, the 59th International Art Exhibition in Venice, opening to the public on 23 April. We are delighted that Modern Art Oxford’s Chief Curator, Emma Ridgway has curated the Biennale’s British Pavilion this year with a new exhibition by artist Sonia Boyce.

Presented by The British Council, Feeling Her Way by Sonia Boyce at the British Pavilion is a powerful exhibition exploring the potential of collaborative play as a route to innovation. Boyce’s installation brings together video works featuring five Black female musicians (Poppy Ajudha, Jacqui Dankworth MBE, Sofia Jernberg, Tanita Tikaram and composer Errollyn Wallen CBE) who were invited to improvise, interact and play with their voices.  

Four large flat screens with singers against a wall surrounded by a kaleidoscope of images, colourful shapes and shiny gold geometric sculptures of different shapes on a grey floor.
Sonia Boyce: Feeling Her Way at La Biennale di Venezia, the 59th International Art Exhibition. Photo: Cristiano Corte © British Counci

The video works take centre stage among Boyce’s signature tessellating wallpapers and golden geometric structures, and the Pavilion’s rooms are filled with sounds – sometimes harmonious, sometimes clashing – embodying feelings of freedom, power and vulnerability.  

This new commission expands on Boyce’s Devotional Collection, built over more than two decades and spanning more than three centuries, which honours the substantial contribution of Black British female musicians to transnational culture.  

Explore the exhibition online on the British Pavilion website by clicking here.

Visit Feeling Her Way by Sonia Boyce at the 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia from 23 April – 27 November 2022.

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