Kapwani Kiwanga’s ‘Trinket’ exhibition at the Venice Biennale engages visitors with a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of the hidden histories of glass beads. The installation showcases millions of tiny glass beads strung into sweeping curtains that line the walls and exterior of the Canadian Pavilion, creating an immersive environment that shifts color with the changing light. The beads, produced on the nearby island of Murano, where glass production has thrived for centuries, carry a rich history dating back to the 15th century. They served as a form of currency, adornment, and held cultural and symbolic significance in various communities around the world.
The exhibition highlights the multifaceted nature of glass beads as documents and bearers of histories, economies, and cultures. Kiwanga’s meticulous research process, which she estimates as 70% research and 30% production, informs the artwork’s profound exploration of the disparities in value assigned to these beads based on cultural perceptions. The installation prompts contemplation on the enduring legacy of transoceanic trade and the complexities of global commerce and cultural exchange.
Curator of the Canadian Pavilion, Candice Hopkins, praised Kiwanga’s ability to convey important subject matter through beauty and elegance, revealing the hidden structures of our world. Hopkins emphasized the significance of the beads in constructing a monumental work from the minute, showcasing the power of research and collaboration in Kiwanga’s creative process.
Alongside the immersive bead curtains, four sculptures composed of raw materials such as gold, bronze, steel, Pernambuco wood, and palm oil, further expand on the exploration of inherent value and global economic relations. These elements, which were often featured in trade ledgers and accounts, provide a tangible connection to the histories embodied by the glass beads.
The exhibition resonates with the Venice Biennale’s theme of ‘Foreigners Everywhere,’ highlighting the integration of beads into various cultures and the transformative power of commerce. Kiwanga’s aim to create beauty from this complex history invites visitors to reflect on the connections, exchanges, and legacies that shape our world.
