Studio International

Published 08/07/2003

Uruguay, for one, believes in keeping the old pavilion going after 30 years. Their 'maestro' Pablo Atchugarry takes refuge in nature with his sculptures. These transform marble in the act of capturing the essence of a dreamworld. The mere act of transhipping these megaliths, and depositing them outside the well preserved Uruguayan pavilion reminds one of older traditions of the Biennale, involving sail, steam, horse and cart. Atchugarry's contribution perhaps best commemorates this spirit of perseverance, perfectionism and integrity that history has struggled to save (but only just), with these beautiful fragments of an ancient tradition which now glow, almost translucently, in the same way as the ghosts that still haunt the Biennale.