Amid Escalation in the Middle East, Venice Light Art Rallies Against War
Chris Levine’s Higher Power lights up the skies above San Clemente Island, Venice. Photo: Chris Levine.
As the art world assembled in Venice last night for the opening of the 61st biennale, many found themselves looking to the skies as a firefly green beam lit up the night over the Grand Canal.
The source was a monumental artwork by light artist Chris Levine, who has repurposed a military grade laser oscillating at 432Hz. The resulting megabeam can be seen for miles across the surrounding region.
The artist, who worked on the piece with engineers from Germany, has titled the work Higher Power, and called it “a beacon of hope and unity”, declaring in an Instagram post that we should “make light, not war”.
Levine’s use of a military-grade device for his artistic gesture sits uneasily against the fraught geopolitical backdrop that is increasingly coming to define this biennale, and follows yesterday’s announcement that Iran will no longer participate in the exhibition.
A statement from the biennale confirming Iran’s withdrawal came amid reports that the country had fired missiles and drones towards the United Arab Emirates (UAE), placing pressure on the ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran on 8 April.
Conflict also escalated yesterday around the strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump announced plans to use the military to guide stranded ships out of the waterway. In response, Iran’s military central command has warned that it would strike any US naval vessel approaching the strait.
Asked about presenting his work against the backdrop of the tumult in the Middle East, Levine told Ocula: “With faith over fear, looking towards light, we live in hope knowing it all ends well.”
Levine has worked with lasers throughout his career, but his repurposing of a military grade laser, which creates a pure tone of visible light at a power that can cut through steel, represents a new level of ambition for the artist.
“Biennale of discord”
The Italian press has already baptised this the “biennial of discord” after the biennale’s prize jury resigned last week. The five-curator jury previously said that it would not consider participating countries whose leaders have been charged with crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, which was widely understood to include both Russia and Israel.
Israel’s pavilion, temporarily being staged in the Arsenale while its Giardini home undergoes renovations, is scheduled to show the work of sculptor Belu-Simion Fainaru. Protests against both pavilions are planned by various groups including the Art Not Genocide Alliance, and Arts Against Aggression.
International leaders have condemned the re-escalation of conflict in the Middle East, including European Union president Ursula von der Leyen, who called yesterday’s strikes “unacceptable”, adding that “security in the region has direct consequences for Europe”.
Indeed, as more of the art world touches down in the Most Serene Republic, it is amid warnings of a looming jet fuel shortage that will threaten air travel this summer.
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services