“The Altersea Opera” at the Pavilion of the Nordic Countries of the Venice Biennale 2024 is a journey between mythology and contemporary art. The work, conceived by Lap-See Lam, transforms the pavilion into an imposing dragon-ship full of suggestions and meanings.
VENICE. The 2024 Venice Biennale presents a one-of-a-kind experience with “The Altersea Opera” project, hosted at the Nordic Pavilion. Swedish artist Lap-See Lam has transformed the pavilion into a fascinating mythological setting, creating an evocative image of a giant sea dragon that invites visitors to set sail on a journey through history and folklore.
The heart of the project is a 38 meter long bamboo structure, which extends beyond the boundaries of the pavilion. This extraordinary work, inspired by the mythical “dragon ship”, is rich in symbolic elements and comes to life thanks to a combination of film, music, and textile art. The bow and tail of the dragon recall the ancient Nordic tradition, evoking stories of adventures and the search for roots.
Lap-See Lam collaborated with several artists to bring “The Altersea Opera” to life. Norwegian composer Tze Yeung Ho has created a unique soundtrack that combines extended musical techniques with baroque and pop elements. The text, written by Lam herself, tells the story of Lo Ting, a mythological figure half-man, half-fish, who travels through time in search of his homeland, only to find it unrecognizable.
Inside the Pavilion, visitors are welcomed by textile works created by Kholod Hawash, a Finnish artist of Iraqi origins. Her creations combine traditional elements of embroidery and sewing with modern motifs and folklore stories, adding a visual dimension rich in detail and meaning.
The curator of the Nordic Pavilion, Asrin Haidari, tells us in a video interview how “The Altersea Opera” represents a poetic exploration of the themes of displacement and belonging. Haidari underlines how the project touches deep chords, reflecting the complex relationship between the past and the present, between the real and the imaginary.
“The Altersea Opera” is a collaboration between Moderna Museet, the Norwegian Office for Contemporary Art (OCA) and the Finnish National Gallery Kiasma. Thanks to the support of several partners and foundations, the Nordic Pavilion offers visitors an immersive experience that explores the changing nature of identity and cultural roots.
The Venice Biennale 2024 takes place from 20 April to 24 November. During this time, the Nordic Pavilion and “The Altersea Opera” promise to offer visitors an unforgettable journey into the world of mythology and contemporary art.
