FREE ENTRANCE - 8.30 PM
“What exists as a metaphor in the world's major art cities—the island, the archipelago, lagoon thinking, the environment—is a daily, practical, tangible reality here in Chioggia. This life experience and reflection invites both academics and fishers to enrich their perspectives by sharing experiences, sensations, languages, and knowledge.”
— Niccolò Moronato
Now in its third edition, Bogiaisso, a video art festival inspired by the community of fishermen and islanders of Chioggia, will take place this year over three evenings: August 26, 27, and 28, 2024.
Chioggia's location and distinctive social, linguistic, and working community make it a unique place for experimentation, listening, learning, and research. For the past three summers, artists and curators have brought precious works here in an open and free form. These works, which would typically be accessible only in the most prestigious art and cultural research spaces of the world's major cities, are now available in Chioggia.
The opening evening of this year's edition will feature a special projection and performance created with Miriam Simun, an internationally acclaimed artist known for her focus on the body, technology, and ecosystems. Her video, "Your Urge to Breathe is a Lie," will be projected on the banks of Canal Vena. This work envisions reality from the perspective of a cephalopod, aiming to teach the mind and body new skills to meet future challenges.
The second evening will feature a screening of short films by artists from around the world, curated by the scientific committee and artistic direction to foster a rich dialogue with the communities of Chioggia. These videos, created by islanders or set on islands across different latitudes, form a collection that captures the shared states of mind among islanders. It is often said that islanders understand each other, even without a common language, and these videos explore this unique connection in various shades.
The third evening will also feature screenings, focusing on the relationship between 'higher' scientific knowledge and the everyday understanding of the lagoon environment. This theme highlights the challenging interplay between different perspectives on the ecosystem and the search for new approaches. Guest speakers and contributions include Alberto Barausse from the University of Padua, director of the Hydrobiological Station of Chioggia, who has been pioneering new methods for preserving the lagoon environment and supporting local communities for decades; Lorenzo Sandoval’s video documenting efforts to save Spain's largest lagoon; and Zoe De Luca Legge, editor and founder of Hedera Magazine, who will engage the local fishing community in discussing their questions, doubts, and experiences.
BOGIAISSO
The festival was born three years ago, inspired by the close proximity and active participation in the lives and activities of the fishermen on the San Domenico shore. Their thoughts, working realities, and the ecological and environmental challenges they face daily have inspired a multi-year search for artworks and artists eager to engage with and interact with the fishing community of Chioggia.
The project was initiated by Niccolò Moronato, an artist with Chioggia roots from Riva San Domenico, and Alice Jasmine Crippa, a cultural producer and researcher based in Chicago with deep ties to Chioggia and its lagoon. Since its inception, the festival has benefited from the support and hospitality of the Fondazione Clodiense Onlus and the Associazione Musica Chioggia. It has also been enriched by contributions from curators, artists, and organizations like the Cinema Galleggiante in Venice, which enhance the selection of works with diverse and complementary perspectives on similar themes.
A key partner for the 2024 edition is Matteo Bisol of Monban, a producer of natural wines with a post-traditional approach. Additionally, a limited series of paintings on bottles, created in collaboration with painter Thomas Berra, will be unveiled for the occasion.
For more information and detailed programme, please contact:
Email: bogiaisso@gmail.com
Instagram: @bogiaisso
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IMAGE CREDITS
Cover: Courtesy Bogiaisso e Caroline Deodat.
