Performance in public areas of Venice

The Mongolia Pavilion consists of two types of art presentation: a sedentary pavilion space at the Palazzo Mora and a nomadic pavilion with artist Enkhbold’s performances presented in designated public spaces throughout the city of Venice. UnenEnkh’s sculptures explore the culturally-laden products of nomadic traditions, such as felt and horsehair, in juxtaposition to metal and wood. Enkhbold’s two-dimensional works, made primarily of horse dung, ash, tripe, sand, and shrub, are displayed at the Palazzo Mora.

Venice was first built by mainland residents fleeing invasions by nomads, including Attila and the Huns in the 5th century. Centuries later, the Venetian merchant Marco Polo (1254–1324) traveled to the Mongol Empire, where he spent 16 years at KhubilaiKhaan’s (1215-1294) court. Enkhbold, building upon the historical legacy of Venice’s relationship with nomads and Mongols, brings his performance art to the heart of Venice by nomadizing around the city and socializing with local Venetians and visitors. The idea of social interaction between people without dependence on modern technologies is central in Enkhbold’s performance art.