CHROMO SAPIEN
Analogue Virtual RealityThe Icelandic Pavilion invites Homo Sapiens to become Chromo Sapiens at the 58th International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia, happened May 11th till November 24th 2019! Icelandic artist Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir / Shoplifter who has transformed a warehouse in Giudecca into a multi-sensory, cavernous environment with a cacophonous amount of her signature material, synthetic hair. Color, sound and irresistible textures guide visitors through three distinct chambers provoking an immersive experience of visual and auditory stimuli.
Entering Chromo Sapiens, you find yourself in Primal Opus, a dark passage of emanating volcanic earthy hues, activated by the sub terra sound of the Icelandic cult metal band HAM. The second chamber erupts into a shockingly bright undulation of colored neon hair tufts. Aptly named Astral Gloria, her soaring cathedral ceiling and sheer emersion of chromatic opulence generates a kind of euphoric kinetic synesthesia. Opium Natura, the final cave flutters effortlessly into a soft landing of shimmering whites and pale soothing pastels, a fluffy heavenly nest that cradles you into a sense of serenity and sublime gentle bliss.
(@pamela.drew) 
(@annepaak) The work is one of Hrafnhildur’s biggest to date, with over 100 people credited in the production. “I always dreamed of creating a complete 360º experience, almost like an analogue virtual reality,” Hrafnhildur explains. “A giant environment that completely embraces you.” The artist has succeeded, using synthetic hair extensions to create cave-like spaces that manage to feel natural, while also being a synthetic plastic world of bright colours—like being inside the artificial wigs of three giants. Hrafnhildur speaks of chromo-therapy as an aspect of the work—the release of serotonin that can happen when your senses are overwhelmed with colour.
“I always dreamed of creating a complete 360º experience, almost like an analogue virtual reality,” - Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir
At the opening, there was a sense of joy and suspense in the room. People seemed excited and stimulated as they engaged with and navigated the installation. It was a who’s who of the Icelandic art and cultural scene, all present alongside their international colleagues.
Shoplifter’s work sits in the realm between visual arts, performance and fashion, anchored in her fascination with pop culture and mass production, combined with a keen sense of humor and miraculous ability to transform synthetic materials into sculptural hypernatural environments. Shoplifter has developed unique ways of working with textiles in space to critical acclaim and tremendous public appreciation. It is indeed exciting to see our continuing collaboration take us to Venice where she mounts her largest installation to date, a site-specific emotive and contemplative experience. One enters the pavilion as Homo Sapiens and exits as Chromo Sapiens.”
(@kaisa1969) 
(@evert_baren) Chromo Sapiens
Icelandic Pavilion at the La Biennale di Venezia 2019
Location: Spazio Punch, Giudecca, Venice
Exhibition dates: May 11th – November 24th 2019
Opening hours: 12 – 8pm Tuesday – Sunday
Tickets click here
