YONIA FAIN’S MAP OF REFUGEE MODERNISM
Published Oct 6, 2022
YONIA FAIN’S MAP OF REFUGEE MODERNISM
THE YIDDISHLAND PAVILION is a hybrid online-offline project aimed at tracing and developing Yiddish and Jewish discourse in contemporary artistic practice. Its activities unfold in Venice, Italy and online between April and November 2022. At the 59th Venice Biennale, Yiddishland Pavilion takes place in a dialogue and collaboration with the national pavilions of countries with histories of Yiddish-speaking Jewish migration.
Yiddishland is an imaginary country/land/space/territory connected through Yiddish language and culture. Yiddishland Pavilion analyzes the erosion of global political constellations, practices collective remembrance, condemns war and occupation, and documents consequences of migration and politics of exclusion that target “Otherness”.
Yonia Fain’s Map of Refugee Modernism is an audio walk through the territory of the Venice Biennale (Giardini and Arsenale) that narrates the story of migrations, escapes, and creativity of the 20th century artist and Yiddish poet Yonia Fain (1913-2013).
The audio walk connects the Ukrainian, Lithuanian, Polish, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, and American national pavilions– following Yonia Fain’s personal story of survival and hope.
On Kolture, you can listen to the first chapter (Ukrainian) and last chapter (American). The accompanying map was created by Curator Yevgeniy Fiks.
Voice: Shane Baker
Sound Design: Boris Krichevsky
Special thanks to:
Joshua Waletzky and Sheva Zucker “Yonia Fain: With Pen and Paintbrush”
AUDIO WALK RECORDING #1
UKRAINE
AUDIO WALK RECORDING #8
USA (NEW YORK)
Listen to the rest of the stops on the audio walk route and learn more about the critical intervention project here.
The Yiddishland Pavilion is a hybrid project aimed at tracing and developing Yiddish and Jewish discourse in contemporary artistic practice.
Reflections
Walk Around the World
For visitors to the Venice Biennale, they can physically walk from pavilion to pavilion while listening to the audio walk. Imagine what that is like. How does this change the experience of the event, knowing that Yiddishland is imaginary?
Reflect
What constitutes contemporary Yiddish art?
Quiz Yourself
Do you know other 20th century Yiddish modern artists?
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