Focus on Brazil at Liege Biennale, Belgium

Part of a 3-screen projection, © Claudia Andujar

Part of a 3-screen projection, © Claudia Andujar

An ambitious and rewarding city-wide festival celebrating the photography and art of Brazil is taking place in Liege, Belgium through March 31, 2006. Spread out over 15 venues, the 5th Biennale showcases the works of young emerging artists, as well as accomplished photographers. It includes reportage, personal documentary, experimental, video, slide projections, anthropological studies and philosophical queries. Broad themes range from Tradition and Modernity, to Voices of Resistance, and even Football.

Some of the most rewarding work, for me, was shown at the two larger venues, The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and Chiroux, the Cultural Center of Liege. These focused mostly on the strange interactions of old and new, as captured by photography.

This exhibition is compelling, since many cultures worldwide are disappearing under the impact of globalization. Yet Brazil still possesses a living ethnic diversity which is rich in knowledge and tradition. The indigenous people of Brazil, (fewer than 370,000 divided into more than 220 groups, speaking 180 different languages) live in thousands of villages within 614 indigenous territories extending from the north to the south of the country. Many of these people use modern cameras while participating in traditional ceremonies and daily life. The results provide interesting insiders' perspectives.

© Babá Patchouli

© Penna Prearo

Contemporary photos, featuring the city-dwelling photographer and models, made to look like old-fashioned postcards of indigenous people. © Anna Bella Geiger

For more info: www.biennalephotoliege.com

Posted by jimcasper at February 25, 2006 05:04 AM