Artist
Born in Lund, Sweden
Early Life and Formation: A Swedish-Brazilian Dialogue
Runo Lagomarsino, born in 1977 in Lund, Sweden, embodies a fascinating intersection of cultural heritage that profoundly shapes his artistic vision. His upbringing was uniquely marked by the legacy of exile; his parents were Argentinian émigrés with roots tracing back to Italian immigrants who fled Europe during World War I. This familial history—a narrative woven with displacement and the search for belonging—became an intrinsic element in Lagomarsino’s exploration of identity, migration, and the complexities of cultural memory. He didn't simply grow up with these stories; he lived within them, experiencing a repeated movement between Sweden and Brazil that instilled a deep sensitivity to the distances and proximities inherent in notions of “South” and “North.” This early exposure wasn’t merely biographical but fundamentally altered his artistic approach.
Lagomarsino's formal education provided a strong foundation for this evolving practice. He studied at the Academy of Fine Art Valand in Gothenburg, followed by the Malmö Art Academy in Lund, and culminated with the prestigious Whitney Independent Study Program in New York City. These experiences weren’t isolated steps but rather building blocks that allowed him to refine his conceptual framework and develop a diverse skillset encompassing collage, drawing, installation, performance, and video. The Whitney program, in particular, proved pivotal, fostering an environment of critical inquiry and experimentation that encouraged him to challenge conventional artistic boundaries.
Themes of Migration, Identity, and Colonial Echoes
At the heart of Lagomarsino’s work lies a persistent interrogation of power dynamics—historical, political, and cultural. He doesn't seek to simply tell stories but rather to re-articulate them, uncovering conflicting dependencies and complex events without reducing their inherent ambiguity. His installations, sculptures, and text-based works often employ strategies of displacement and transformation, questioning the very writing of history, particularly within the context of South America. This isn’t about constructing new narratives from a colonized perspective; it's about revealing the fractures and blind paths within existing ones.
A recurring motif in his oeuvre is the exploration of everyday objects and materials as carriers of memory and meaning. He imbues these seemingly mundane elements with poetic resonance, challenging dominant narratives and inviting viewers to reflect on their own positionality. For example, works like ‘La Muralla Azul’ (The Blue Wall) demonstrate a captivating abstract expressionist series blending blue hues & Mediterranean echoes, reflecting colonial themes and evoking contemplation of urban landscapes. Similarly, ‘Following the Light of the Sun, I Only Discovered the Ground’ utilizes striking sun-paper drawings to explore colonial history and migration, creating a poignant blend of abstraction and social commentary.
Technique and Poetic Displacement
Lagomarsino's artistic process is characterized by what he describes as “precise and poetic displacements.” This isn’t about grand gestures or overt statements but rather subtle interventions that generate friction and reveal hidden layers of meaning. He often works with found objects, transforming their original context to create new associations and challenge preconceived notions. The act of displacement itself becomes a metaphor for the experience of migration—the disruption of familiar surroundings and the search for new connections.
His use of materials is deliberate and evocative. Neon tubes pilfered from museum exhibits, copper rings marking felled trees, illegally imported eggs – these aren’t arbitrary choices but rather carefully selected elements that carry symbolic weight. The video installation More Delicate Than the Historians’ Are the Map-Makers’ Colors (2012–13), for instance, features Lagomarsino and his father unpacking and throwing eggs at a monument in Seville, a gesture laden with historical and political implications. This work exemplifies his ability to blend personal narrative with broader social commentary.
Major Achievements and International Recognition
Lagomarsino’s artistic contributions have garnered significant international recognition. He has exhibited widely across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, participating in prestigious biennials such as Gwangju, Venice, Gothenburg, Ural, Prospect New Orleans, and São Paulo. His work is held in numerous public and private collections, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art, Guangdong Museum of Art, Dallas Museum of Art, Kiasma Museum of Modern Art, Moderna Museet, and the Museo Reina Sofia.
Beyond exhibitions, Lagomarsino has received several accolades, including the Friends of Moderna Museet Sculpture Prize in 2019 and a DAAD artist-in-residence fellowship in Berlin. His curatorial work, such as the retrospective exhibition 'Lenke Rothman – Life as Cloth' at Malmö Konsthall, further demonstrates his commitment to fostering critical dialogue within the art world.
Historical Significance: A Contemporary Voice
Runo Lagomarsino’s work occupies a crucial space in contemporary art. He doesn’t offer easy answers or definitive statements but rather invites viewers to engage with complex questions of identity, migration, and cultural heritage. His ability to blend personal narrative with broader social commentary, coupled with his poetic use of materials and subtle interventions, sets him apart as a unique and compelling voice.
In an era marked by increasing globalization and displacement, Lagomarsino’s work resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. He challenges us to confront the legacies of colonialism, question established narratives, and recognize the inherent instability of language and representation. His art is not merely about reflecting on the past; it's about actively shaping our understanding of the present and envisioning a more equitable future.
Museum
On show in Venice, Italy
A City Suspended Between Worlds: Unveiling La Biennale di Venezia
Venice, a name that whispers of romance, artistry, and an enduring legacy, holds within its labyrinthine canals a secret – a vibrant pulse of contemporary creativity. La Biennale di Venezia isn’t merely an art exhibition; it's a sprawling, immersive experience, a kaleidoscopic journey through disciplines ranging from the delicate brushstrokes of painting to the provocative depths of performance art, architecture, and the ever-evolving landscape of digital media. Founded in 1895 as a celebration of Venice’s unparalleled craftsmanship – the shimmering glassblowing, intricate lacemaking, and masterful shipbuilding traditions – it swiftly evolved into a bold platform for artistic innovation, embracing modernism and ultimately becoming a crucial catalyst for change. Today, La Biennale stands as a testament to this evolution, perpetually poised between the ancient grandeur of its Venetian roots and the daring experimentation of the avant-garde, inviting visitors on a profound exploration of human expression and cultural exchange.
Giardini Venezia: A Tapestry of Nations
At the heart of this extraordinary event lies Giardini Venezia, a sprawling parkland transformed into an open-air museum and a powerful symbol of international collaboration. Thirty iconic national pavilions, each meticulously crafted by its respective nation, punctuate this landscape like jewels in a crown. These aren’t simply buildings; they are carefully designed spaces – intimate studios echoing the quiet contemplation of a master craftsman, grand halls radiating the formality of state diplomacy, or striking architectural statements that boldly declare a nation's artistic identity. A stroll through Giardini Venezia is a visual dialogue between cultures and artistic movements, a chance to witness the echoes of centuries-old traditions alongside the vibrant expressions of contemporary aesthetics. The juxtaposition of Italy’s opulent Baroque facades with Japan’s strikingly modern designs, or the solemn grandeur of Spain standing in contrast to Germany's commitment to innovation, creates an unexpectedly harmonious tapestry. Palazzo Fortuny, nestled within this expanse, is a breathtaking testament to Venetian artistry; its meticulously restored frescoes – painstakingly preserved over generations – depict scenes of Venetian life with remarkable detail and vibrancy, while its intricate geometric patterns of the flooring, mirroring Japanese aesthetic principles, create an unexpected harmony alongside the masterful brushstrokes of Canaletto’s depictions of the city. This deliberate blending of influences speaks volumes about La Biennale's commitment to fostering dialogue and celebrating the convergence of diverse artistic traditions.
The Arsenale: Where Industry Meets Imagination
Stepping beyond the serene beauty of Giardini Venezia, one encounters the transformative power of Arsenale Venezia – a space that embodies the spirit of innovation. Originally a bustling naval shipyard—a vital artery for Venice’s maritime dominance and a cornerstone of its economic prosperity—this industrial heartland has been reborn as a dynamic hub where monumental architectural relics coexist with groundbreaking contemporary installations. The sheer scale of Arsenale allows for truly immersive experiences, inviting visitors to wander through vast halls adorned with canals and explore spaces repurposed as settings for large-scale artistic endeavors. The Sale d'Armi (armament hall) and Corderie (rope-making workshops), with their soaring ceilings and exposed brickwork – remnants of a bygone era—serve as canvases for ambitious projects that interrogate the relationship between history, industry, and creativity; artists utilize these raw industrial spaces to challenge our perceptions, creating installations that are both visually arresting and conceptually profound. The Arsenale isn’t merely a display space; it's a powerful reminder of Venice’s enduring legacy as an innovator, a city that has always embraced the potential for transformation.
A Legacy of Artistic Dialogue
Throughout its illustrious history, La Biennale has consistently served as a pivotal force in shaping artistic trends. The 1964 show marked a watershed moment, introducing Pop Art to the international stage and firmly establishing Venice as a crucial hub for avant-garde movements. Harald Szeemann’s groundbreaking 1980 Biennale championed conceptual art and performance pieces, challenging conventional notions of artistic expression and pushing the boundaries of what could be considered “art.” More recently, La Biennale has prioritized amplifying marginalized voices and confronting pressing global issues – from climate change to migration rights – reflecting a commitment to social responsibility within the realm of art. Exhibitions like Samson Kambalu’s “Nyau Cinema,” blending film and photography to explore African heritage, or Antje Ehmann & Harun Farocki's collaborative films examining themes of labor, politics, and image manipulation, exemplify this dedication to artistic dialogue and societal reflection. These exhibitions aren’t simply displays; they are carefully curated conversations that invite viewers to engage with complex ideas and perspectives, prompting critical examination and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Echoes Through Time: From Canaletto to Contemporary Visionaries
Exploring La Biennale's legacy reveals a fascinating evolution, mirroring broader shifts in artistic practice and cultural consciousness. From the early embrace of Venetian craftsmanship to the bold experimentation of Pop Art and Conceptualism, the Biennale has consistently championed innovation and challenged established norms. Giovanni Antonio Canaletto’s “Night-time Celebration Outside the Church of San Pietro di Castello (also known as La Vigilia de San Pietro),” capturing a vibrant Venetian nightlife scene with remarkable detail – a testament to Canaletto's mastery of veduta painting – offers a glimpse into Venice’s rich artistic heritage. Similarly, Herman Armour Webster’s “La Casa di Mario,” exploring themes of memory and identity within the context of Venice’s architectural landscape, demonstrates the Biennale’s enduring commitment to investigating the human experience through art. The museum's ongoing dedication to showcasing both established masters and emerging voices ensures that La Biennale remains a vital platform for artistic discovery and critical engagement, continuing its role as a beacon of creativity and cultural exchange for generations to come.
