Afaina De Jong & InnaVisions with Space of Other at La Architecture Biennale di Venezia

Who is We?

On 20 May 2021, the Dutch pavilion at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia openned, one year later than planned. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, Het Nieuwe Instituut will not be able to safely invite visitors to the opening in Venice. This offered the opportunity to develop a hybrid opening that is more freely accessible, while still doing justice to the theme of the pavilion and the efforts of all those involved.

This is why Venice came in a digital programme with outgoing Minister of Education, Urban Director Amsterdam Mavis Carrilho, Guus Beumer, Francien van Westrenen, Afaina de Jong, Debra Solomon, Caroline Nevejan, Mike Emmerik, Simone Rots, Lada Hršak, Chiara Dorbolò, Daphne Bakker, Tymon Hogenelst, Jesse van der Ploeg, Mistah Isaac, Sirishkumar Manji and Reinier van Houdt.

Who is We?

Together with architect Afaina de Jong and artist Debra Solomon, Het Nieuwe Instituut presents Who is We? in response to the central theme of the Biennale, 'How will we live together?'
 
While 'we' seems to imply inclusion, it often represents a very singular perspective. At a time when social and ecological urgencies demand immediate care and action, it is fundamental to regard 'we' as an even more pluralised pronoun that encompasses all humans and non-humans such as soil, plants, animals, and microbes. This position should guide all human behaviour, but Who is We? specifically calls for architects and urbanists to commit to this plurality by presenting an empathic plea against monoculture and homogeneity. Who is We? illustrates that polyphony and plurality create the relations and interactions essential to building just and resilient societies and cities.
 
Who is We? is made possible by the generous support of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the City of Amsterdam, the City of Rotterdam, and the Creative Industries Fund NL.

the artist’s website