Venice Biennale: Steve McQueen's Giardini Dogs

The fantastical art experience known as the Venice Biennale opened to the public yesterday and dogs are already making a statement.  Specifically the greyhounds that appear in British artist Steve McQueen's film Giardini, which is actually two films screened side by side showing images of Venice's public gardens.  This is not the Venice of summer and the art world.  It is the haunted, quiet Venice of February. 

There is not exactly a story, although there are two men who interact in a way that hints at a narrative.  But according to Charlotte Higgins of The Guardian:

The most arresting characters are the dogs who appear like a leitmotif through the work. "They are racing greyhounds that would otherwise be shot but are looked after by a charity,'' said McQueen. The point is that they ought to be dead – and are thus a kind of ghostly presence, he added.

Hear Steve McQueen discuss his work and see clips of the film:

The Independent's Charles Darwent glowingly reviews the film and concludes:

Every now and then, I'm reminded of my good fortune in being a critic, and seeing Giardini in the Giardini is such a moment. I know Venice is far away and that there are other things to do there, but make the trip for McQueen, if you can.

I would echo Darwent's advice.  Attending the Venice Biennale was one of the most magical experiences of my life.  If you get a chance, go.  Click here for more information.  It runs until November 22, 2009.