VENICE, April 22 ― Pavlo Makov fled Russia's invasion with almost nothing but is proud to represent Ukraine at this year's Venice Biennale, which raises questions about the role of art at a time of war.
Makov's installation comprises 78 light blue funnels mounted on a triangle through which water flows, slowing as it travels downwards to drip slowly into the collecting basin, echoing in the otherwise silent space.“I don't think art can change the world. But art can help us to survive,” he said. The 35-year-old had been preparing for war, although she had to leave behind the massive base of Makov's installation.
Makov himself left Ukraine with his family ― including his 92-year-old mother. They are currently in Austria.But then came the thought that “I may not be able to have shower in the next coming week... So you take underwear with you and the pair of jeans and that's it.”The Biennale, which is open to the public from April 23 to November 27, was due to take place in 2021 but was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.