12 Bienal de Cuenca
Leaving to Return
March 28th – June 27th, 2014
Curatorial team: Jacopo Crivelli Visconti and Manuela Moscoso, with Olivia Ardui
Executive Director of Fundación Bienal de Cuenca: Katya Cazar.
The title of the exhibition is based on the Ecuadorian expression ir para volver [leaving to return], which describes a physical and temporary absence (frequently without a definite duration). While highlighting the state of movement as the key aspect of many artworks and practices included in the exhibition, this expression also situates the bienal in the undefined field of speech. Leaving to Return signals an ongoing dialogue that takes place far away from the rigidity of strict and polished discourses and ultimately delves into life itself.
Organized by the Fundación Municipal Bienal de Cuenca, Leaving to Return will showcase the work of 41 artists from 21 countries in 6 different venues located in the city’s historical center. Coinciding with the opening on March 28th 2014, performances and special events, as well as an intensive discursive program during the 29th, 30th and 31st of March are being prepared.
Artists list:
Agency (Belgium); Meriç Algün Ringborg (Turkey); Armando Andrade (Peru); Julieta Aranda (Mexico); Martha Araújo (Brasil); Adrián Balseca (Ecuador); Alessandro Balteo Yazbeck (Venezuela); Néstor Basterretxea (Spain); François Bucher (Colombia); Mauricio Bueno (Ecuador); Saskia Calderón (Ecuador); Pia Camil (Mexico); Daniel Gustav Cramer (Germany); Juan Downey (Chile); Patricia Esquivias (Venezuela/Spain); Ximena Garrido Lecca (Peru); José Hidalgo-Anastacio (Ecuador); Runo Lagomarsino (Switzerland); Little Warsaw (Hungary); Maria Loboda (Poland); Claudia Martínez Garay (Peru); Benjamin Meyer-Krahmer (Germany); Ana María Millán (Colombia); Helen Mirra (United States); Felipe Mujica (Chile); Eduardo Navarro (Argentina); Rivane Neuenschwander (Brasil); Pedro Neves Marques (Portugal); Wendelien van Oldenborgh (Netherlands); Juan Pablo Ordóñez (Ecuador); Bernardo Ortiz (Colombia); Adrian Paci (Albania); Rita Ponce de León (Perú); Manuela Ribadeneira (Ecuador); Mauro Restiffe (Brasil); Julia Rometti & Victor Costales (France/Ecuador); Jorge Satorre (Mexico); Marinella Senatore (Italy); Daniel Steegmann Mangrané (Spain); Mario García Torres (México); Cecilia Szalkowicz (Argentina) y Sara VanDerBeek (United States).
When to visit the Biennial:
The 12 Bienal de Cuenca opens on March 28th and closes on June 27th, 2014. The exhibition preview for professionals and special guests starts in the morning of the 28th. The official ceremony will take place later that night. The biennial’s discursive program will be held on 29th, 30th and 31st of March. If you want to join the biennial for the weekend opening, it is suggested to arrive in Cuenca on the night of the 27th or the morning of the 28th, and stay until the evening of the 31st .
About Cuenca
Cuenca is located in the southern part of the Ecuadorian Andes and is the capital of the province of Azuay. UNESCO declared its historical center as World Heritage Site in 1999. Cuenca was an important center of the manor diarchy Cañari (500 – 1500 AD;) re-founded by the Incas in 1470 and converted into the northern capital of their empire; in 1557, the city was founded again by the Spanish conquest. Today, it is still possible to see traces of its Inca past, however most of Cuenca’s architecture dates from the 18th century. Cuenca is renowned for its craft production, and in particular for the toquilla straw-hats (more commonly known as Panama hats.) Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador, with a population of approximately 330.0000 inhabitants.
How to get there
The National Airport Mariscal Lamar is located 2 miles from downtown of Cuenca. There are daily flights to and from Guayaquil or Quito. Those flight last approximately 40 minutes, and cost about $ 70. From Guayaquil, it is also possible to reach Cuenca by bus. The trip takes about 3 hours riding through the Andes and the Cajas National Park. The bus fare is $12 with departures from 5 am until 9 pm. For more information: www.operazuaytur.com or www.atenastoursecuador.com. The national currency in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar.
Where to stay
Prices around $ 100/night
- Mansion Alcazar Boutique Hotel: http://mansionalcazar.com/en/
- Hotel Vitoria: www.hotelvictoriaecuador.com/
- Hotel Carvallo: www.hotelcarvallo.com.ec/
Prices from $ 60-90/night
- Hotel Santa Monica: www.hotelsantamonicaecuador.com/
- Inca Real Hotel: www.hotelincareal.com.ec/
- Hostal Posada de Angel: www.hostalposadadelangel.com/
Prices from $ 20-50/night
- Hostal El Monasterio: www.hostalelmonasterio.net / rates – reserv
- Hostal Macondo: www.hostalmacondo.com
- Hostal Monasterio de Collection: hostalmonasterio.blogspot.com.br