Curation, art direction, and exhibition design for photographer Alissa Everett's "Covering Beauty" exhibition at the Venice Biennale, in collaboration with the European Cultural Centre.
California born, Nairobi based artist, Alissa Everett has visited over 130 countries and since 2003 has been covering and photographing conflict and ethnic issues that still remain today in places such as Iraq, Darfur, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most recently Alissa travelled to the Ukrainian border with The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to document the humanitarian response efforts. Here Everett tells Candice Tucker about her work and her latest solo exhibition, Covering Beauty
The European Cultural Centre is an institution dedicated to presenting cutting-edge art and cultural exhibitions throughout Europe. They host group exhibitions during the Venice Biennale and are renowned for curating projects that offer deep insights into global issues through innovative artistic approaches.
The task was to design an exhibition that effectively conveyed the profound impact of photographer Alissa Everett's work, which documents conflict and humanitarian issues across the globe. The design needed to be both respectful of her powerful photography and engaging for visitors, all within the historical context of Palazzo Bembo during the 2022 Biennale in Venice.
For "Covering Beauty," I created a design that emphasized the contrast between Everett's compelling imagery and the often negative media portrayals of the regions she has documented. The exhibition opened with a striking juxtaposition: a large portrait of an Afghan woman with a covered face, revealing her uncovered beauty on the reverse side. Additionally, large newspaper articles condemning these regions as the "worst places on earth" were displayed alongside curated images, complemented by quotes that highlighted misconceptions and biases, particularly those from Everett’s birth country, the US. This design choice aimed to challenge preconceived notions and showcase the dignity, hope, and beauty of individuals in the darkest times, aligning with Everett's goal to reveal the humanity and resilience behind the headlines.
The aim was to create an environment that not only displayed Alissa Everett’s significant work but also encouraged visitors to engage deeply with the stories behind the images. The design sought to enhance the viewer's connection to the humanitarian issues presented, fostering reflection and understanding.
The "Covering Beauty" exhibition, showcased at the 2022 Biennale in Venice, was praised for its impactful design and thoughtful presentation. It successfully highlighted Everett’s important work, drawing considerable attention and fostering meaningful engagement with the global issues she documents.
Credits:
Artist & Curator: Alissa Everett
Design & Co-Curation: Larissa Rosvaenge
Production: ECC