ARENA FOR A TREE, Venice – an Art Intervention by Klaus Littmann
Like a small Noah’s Ark, the “Arena for a Tree” rocks from Marghera, past San Marco, to the Arsenale. Atop it rises the star of the next three months: the Taxodium distichum. The choice of tree in the lagoon city of Venice wasn’t coincidental; the Bald Cypress thrives in both fresh and saltwater, withstands gusts of wind, can absorb large amounts of floodwater, and promises to endure peak temperatures in urban areas.
In Basel (2021), there was an ironwood tree in the arena, and in Zurich (2022), a dead fruit tree suddenly began to blossom during the exhibition. Modeled after the annual rings of a tree, the wooden ark offers seating for around fifty people in three rows.
As with “For Forest – The Unending Attraction of Nature” (2019, Wörthersee Stadium Klagenfurt, Austria), Klaus Littmann aims to challenge our perception and sharpen our view of the future of the human-nature relationship. Venice is the third and final destination – and the first on water.
ARSENALE NORD, VENICE, until July 31, 2024
Tue – Sun, 11am – 7pm (free entry)
The two sides of the Arsenale can be reached by water thanks to a free shuttle boat (between Arsenale Nord and Giardino delle Vergini) or via ACTV stop “Bacini – Arsenale Nord” or by foot from Campo de la Celestia, via the suspended bridge along the north boundary wall of the Arsenale.
Presented by Kulturstiftung Basel H. Geiger in collaboration with ECC Italy as well as the support of the Venice City Council and the port authorities.
Photos: Federico Vespignani | Chiara Becattini | Giacomo Vidoni | Claudio Martin
more about ARENA FOR A TREE, Basel 2021 / Zurich 2022 / Venice 2024
