The ERGO SUM Institute is a non-profit organisation operating in the general interest in contemporary art and culture. In cooperation with international partners, we develop theoretical and artistic creation, primarily in exhibition, education, and theory. The basic concept is to implement programmes in visual arts, performing arts, intermedia arts, theoretical research, and publishing. Programme activities include events in galleries and public spaces, group and solo exhibitions, installations, performances, project presentations, conferences, a publishing programme, publications of books and catalogues, and so on.

Through intensive international cooperation in the artist and theorist exchange programme, we seek to carry out top artistic and cultural programmes. We connect with related domestic and international institutions and strive for the constructive networking of various important stakeholders. Our guidelines relate to global art production researching major issues of contemporary society within ethical, political, aesthetic, and social contexts.

The ERGO SUM Institute participates in international programmes as an organiser, co-organiser, and partner in various art projects partly financed from EU funds and private European art funds. The Institute’s programmes are regularly funded and supported by cultural grants, donors, sponsors, private collectors, volunteers, and other art lovers.

Accommodation in the art residency lasts from a few days up to two month. Invited artists are provided with an apartment and a working space in which their ideas can be brought to life. Artist -in- residence ERGO SUM program is dedicated to supporting artists regionally, nationally and internationally and promoting contemporary art. The residence is a place where artists work, conduct research and where exhibitions introduce a variety of contemporary art and social practices. The residence goal is to present art and artists in a way that enriches the community, through the creative process during open studios, exhibitions and educational programs.

The aims are:

• to provide the artist with the time and space needed to create
• to promote the role of the Artist-in-residence programmes as a vital part of the contemporary art practice
• to stimulate the artist’s creative development and mobility and to promote intercultural understanding
• to establish a new intellectual space
• to promote the exchange of artists

Interested artists are asked to send us:

• A short explanation why you chose the ERGO SUM residence
• A brief presentation of the planned project
• Examples of their work or address of their website and contact

For any further questions please contact us by email.

KIRIBATI PAVILION 2019

at the 58th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia

Pacific Time – Time Flies                                                                            

In Kiribati language Ana tai te Betebeke – E biribiri te tai

In the great vastness of the Pacific Ocean, the tiny island countries are barely noticeable on the map. One of these islands is the Republic of Kiribati, consisting of 33 paradise atolls with wonderful beaches. However, the rising ocean level caused by climate change is threatening the existence of Kiribati. The islands are in danger of disappearing into the Pacific Ocean forever.

The Republic of Kiribati Pavilion at the 58^th Venice Biennale reflects the endangered existence of the island country of Kiribati and the time we live in. According to Plato, in contrast to the impermanent nature of our world and objects within our world, forms and ideas are permanent. In the Kiribati Pavilion, you can see interlaced group artworks by 29 artists from different generation and genres of art. The presented art genres are: video, photography, interactive animation, performance, ready-made and installation. The artistic elements used in the artworks include sound, colour, light, space and material. The artist Kaeka Michael Betero uses photography and videos to represent the threat to homes and inhabitants. His authentic and genuine approach shows reality as it is. The Kairaken Betio Group uses dance to communicate their passion for life, dance and tradition. The elements of their performance are rooted in tradition in connection to modern performance approaches. Daniela Danica Tepes, a visual artist, connects all the artworks into an interactive installation in the form of a room in a Kiribati house, where the threat of inundation is ever present as the waves have already covered more than half of the window height. The room is filled with traditional items used by Kiribati inhabitants. The interactive installation turns on when visitors enter the room. As they move around the exhibition space, they awaken animated otherworldly dancers who mimic the visitors’ movements. This art project discusses the issue of climate change and is designed as a reflection between the artwork, human presence and space.

COMMISSIONER Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kiribati, Pelea Tehumu

CURATORS

Kautu Tabaka

Nina Tepes

EXHIBITORS

Kaeka Michael Betero

Daniela Danica Tepes

Kairaken Betio Performance Group; Teroloang Borouea, Neneia Takoikoi, Tineta Timirau, Teeti Aaloa, Kenneth Ioane, Kaumai Kaoma, Runita Rabwaa, Obeta Taia,Tiribo Kobaua, Tamuera Tebebe, Rairauea Rue, Teuea Kabunare, Tokintekai Ekentetake, Katanuti Francis, Mikaere Tebwebwe, Terita Itinikarawa, Kaeua Kobaua, Raatu Tiuteke, Kaeriti Baanga, Ioanna Francis, Temarewe Banaan, Aanamaria Toom, Einako Temewi, Nimei Itinikarawa, Teniteiti Mikaere, Aanibo Bwatanita, Arin Tikiraua.

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KIRIBATI PAVILION 2017

at the 57th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia

The art project ARS LONGA, VITA BREVIS! / SINKING ISLANDS, UNSINKABLE ART reflects on the vulnerable position of its art, which has preserved throughout history the unique and primal nature of culture and customs. The mere existence of the island country of Kiribati is under threat – due to the effects of climate change, it is in danger of disappearing into the Pacific Ocean. Kiribati is a country in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, consisting of 33 paradise atolls with beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, in recent decades, the water has been inescapably taking back the land, day after day, year after year. Even though Kiribati culture is vulnerable to the dangers of the Pacific Ocean, it will never be forgotten. In accordance with the tradition, it will be passed onto future generations. Their dance and songs are more than just culture or art, they are their way of living. With singing and dancing, they honour life, which is fleeting, but they constantly transfer their knowledge to those who follow, and with it their identity which is closely tied to their traditional art, since in the end, art is what remains forever. Ars Longa, Vita Brevis!

Participating performers: 

Performance group Kairaken Betio

Performers are (b. different ages-generations, Republic of Kiribati): Teroloang Borouea, Neneia Takoikoi, Tineta Timirau, Teeti Aaloa, Kenneth Ioane, Kaumai Kaoma, Runita Rabwaa, Obeta Taia, Tiribo Kobaua, Tamuera Tebebe, Rairauea Rue, Teuea Kabunare, Tokintekai Ekentetake, Katanuti Francis, Mikaere Tebwebwe, Terita Itinikarawa, Kaeua Kobaua, Raatu Tiuteke, Kaeriti Baanga, Ioanna Francis, Temarewe Banaan, Aanamaria Toom, Einako Temewi, Nimei Itinikarawa, Teniteiti Mikaere, Aanibo Bwatanita, Arin Tikiraua.

Performance group Kairaken Betio are maintaining the old tradition of the Republic of Kiribati with the traditional and modern performances. They are devoted to dance and preservation of their Kiribati traditions. They are performing around the Pacific countries

 Performance group Ngaon Nareau

Performers are (b. different ages-generations, Republic of Kiribati): Teata Tetoki, Raakai Ianibata, Taorobwa Bakatokia, Tekaei Kaairo, Nabiri Kaaraiti, Abetena Itaaka, Bwobwaka Bwebwere.

Performance group Ngaon Nareau are maintaining the old traditions of Republic of Kiribati which has been preserved for hundreds of years. Through singing traditional songs they are maintaining the original Kiribati language. They are devoted to singing and preservation of their Kiribati traditions. They are performing around the Pacific countries

 Visual Artist

Daniela Danica Tepes

Visual artist Daniela Danica Tepes is known for the illusion of duality because her works are always suggesting that nothing is as it seems at first glance. The visual artist leaves the viewer to develop his own feelings while he is involved in the highly spiritual and parallel virtual world that she has created.

For more information you are kindly invited to check our sidebar navigation menu: KIRIBATI PAVILION 2017