Press Release
Joan Jonas’s exhibition Moving Off the Land II is the inaugural project at the newly opening Ocean Space in the revitalized Church of San Lorenzo in Venice. Spearheaded by TBA21–Academy and its network of partners, including universities, NGOs, museums, government agencies, and research institutes from around the world, Ocean Space is a platform catalyzing ocean advocacy, collaboration, and exchange through installations, performances, workshops, archives, and research.
Jonas’s installation is the culmination of three years of intensive research in aquariums around the world as well as in the waters off the coast of Jamaica, commissioned by TBA21–Academy and curated by Stefanie Hessler. Comprising new video, sculpture, drawing, and sound works, as well as a performance on May 7, 2019, the show centers on the role the oceans have played for cultures throughout history as a totemic, spiritual, and ecological touchstone.
Joan Jonas, Moving Off the Land II
Ocean Space, Church San Lorenzon Castello, Venice (Italy)
24.03 - 29.09.2019
© ArtCatalyse International / Marika Prévosto 2019. All Rights Reserved
In conjunction with Jonas’ exhibition, select archival and research materials relating to the project, including interviews with the artist, will be accessible through the new digital platform Ocean Archive (oceanarchive.io). Launching in complete form in September 2019, this “colaboratory” is being developed by User Group, Inc. to operate at the intersection of scientific inquiry, artistic intelligence, and environmental advocacy.
Following the closure of Moving Off the Land II, Ocean Space will undergo additional work on its interior to create a dynamic structure of platforms and flexible spaces, designed by architect Andrés Jaque from the Office for Political Innovation. Ocean Space’s program will relaunch next spring, with work on its interior design expected to be completed over the next two years.
Commissioned by TBA21–Academy and co-
Curated by Stefanie Hessler.
Joan Jonas, Moving Off the Land, 2016/2018. Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco, 2019. Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture/Justine Elephant.