A preview of the film “Dovecote,” directed by Marco Perego for the Biennale exhibition, features a man in uniform navigating a motorboat through the picturesque canals of Venice. The film transitions to black and white as it enters the Giudecca women’s prison, contrasting the beauty of Venice with the stark reality of life inside. The film focuses on an unnamed character played by Zoe Saldaña, set to be released that day, alongside 20 actual prisoners.
The Vatican Pavilion at the Biennale will showcase the film in the prison’s visitation room, alongside works by nine other artists. Pope Francis is set to visit the Biennale, marking the Holy See’s first participation at the prison.
The pavilion, titled “With My Eyes,” curated by Bruno Racine and Chiara Parisi, aims to deliver a message of witnessing rather than mere spectatorship. The exhibition includes pieces by artists like Simone Fattal and Claire Tabouret, incorporating the experiences and stories of the inmates into the artwork.
The Giudecca prison, with its rich history and diverse inmate population, offers a unique backdrop for the exhibition. The exhibition also sheds light on the prison’s operations, including its gardens and inmate-led enterprises. The inclusion of works by artists like Sonia Gomes and Corita Kent adds layers of meaning to the exhibition, connecting the prison’s past with its present reality.
The decision to involve inmates extensively in the exhibition was made in consultation with a prison psychologist, aiming to recognize the dignity of the inmates while acknowledging their circumstances. Perego’s film, “Dovecote,” serves as a poignant exploration of the inmates’ lives, highlighting their desire to be seen and remembered despite their invisibility to the outside world.
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