CHANEL Connects: Episode Summary - "The Islanders: Hildigunnur Birgisdóttir and Trevor Yeung"

Introduction

In the August 13, 2024 episode of CHANEL Connects titled "The Islanders: Hildigunnur Birgisdóttir and Trevor Yeung", host Jana Peel delves into the vibrant atmosphere of the 60th Venice Biennale. This episode, set against the picturesque backdrop of Gabrielle Chanel’s La Pausa villa on the French Riviera, brings listeners into the heart of contemporary art's most prestigious exhibition. Presented by Yana Peel, President of Arts, Culture & Heritage, the conversation features Icelandic artist Hildigunnur Birgisdóttir and Hong Kong-based artist Trevor Yeung, moderated by Penny Martin.

Experiencing the Venice Biennale

The episode opens with Jana Peel setting the scene at the Venice Biennale, emphasizing its significance as the epicenter of contemporary art. She introduces Hildigunnur and Trevor, both of whom share their initial experiences and feelings about participating in the Biennale.

Hildigunnur reflects on her personal journey with Venice, sharing a past experience where she felt disconnected and alienated during her first visit 20 years ago:

"It feels fake to me. This is like a Disney World, you know." (04:00)

She contrasts this with her current affection for the city:

"Every time I fall in love with the city more and more. Yeah. So I'm falling hard." (04:18)

Trevor Yeung echoes a sense of community and connection within the art world, highlighting the collaborative spirit among artists from smaller, closely-knit communities:

"The art community is also quite small and everyone knows each other." (03:56)

Exhibitions: Themes and Inspirations

The conversation shifts to the artists' exhibitions. Hildigunnur introduces her work as a contemplation on humanity's role within the capitalist system. She describes her pieces as:

"Objects teased from the systems of commerce." (08:37)

Her exhibition features large silhouettes made from reusable tote bags—materials tied to Venice's historical commerce:

"I went from retail to commerce with that piece, but still very relevant..." (08:40)

Trevor Yeung discusses his exhibition, "Courtyard of Attachments," which juxtaposes aquatic elements with urban life, reflecting his upbringing in Hong Kong and its relationship with water:

"Aquarium is the best like pet to kind of have in Hong Kong." (06:00)

He delves into the personal significance of water in his work, influenced by his father's seafood restaurant:

"My father owned a seafood restaurant in China... it makes me feel the connection with the little fish." (07:08)

Environmental and Capitalist Critique

Both artists explore themes of environmental degradation and capitalism's impact on nature. Hildigunnur shares her philosophical stance on humanity's insignificance and moral dilemmas:

"I am reporting from within the system. I cannot have a vantage point from outer space or outside the system of commerce, because I am also the problem." (16:00)

Trevor highlights the role of empathy in art, aiming to evoke introspection in his audience:

"I want the audience to feel... how they think about plants, think about other animals. Because at the end, we are just equally the same on earth." (17:00)

Hildigunnur further explains her art as a reflection on capitalism's pervasive influence:

"Capitalism doesn't really work perfectly... I've always kind of seen through it." (12:30)

Challenges and Collaboration

The episode also touches upon the logistical and emotional challenges of setting up exhibitions. Both artists emphasize the importance of trust and teamwork. Penny Martin shares her experience of assembling a collaborative team for the first time:

"The hardest part is to trust other people and also believe in people that they are helping you." (18:23)

Hildigunnur adds:

"Have faith in others and not... paranoia, ego gets in your way." (19:29)

Looking Ahead: The Future of Art

Concluding the discussion, Hildigunnur and Trevor express their optimism for the future of art. Hildigunnur is inspired by the innovative approaches of her art students:

"They bring me something that is totally forbidden by these invisible laws of art... It's what art is so good at." (20:22)

Trevor emphasizes embracing the present and believing in personal convictions:

"Just be who we are and try to believe in things that we believe." (20:08)

Venice Highlights: Culinary Recommendations

The episode wraps up with the artists sharing their favorite culinary spots in Venice. Penny Martin recommends Arturo for non-fish delicacies:

"Really good non fish food." (21:50)

Hildigunnur praises Olivaneri for its fried squash blossoms and squid ink polenta:

"The fried squash blossoms are amazing and the squid ink, like with the polenta, is to die for." (22:48)

Trevor adds a playful critique:

"There is absolutely no good food in Venice. It is a total myth." (23:00)

Conclusion

Jana Peel closes the episode by thanking the guests and inviting listeners to future episodes, promising more insightful conversations on the interplay between humanity and the natural world. The episode provides a rich, multifaceted exploration of contemporary art's role in reflecting and challenging societal and environmental paradigms, all within the enchanting setting of Venice.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Hildigunnur Birgisdóttir:

  • "It feels fake to me. This is like a Disney World, you know." (04:00)
  • "Every time I fall in love with the city more and more. Yeah. So I'm falling hard." (04:18)
  • "Objects teased from the systems of commerce." (08:37)
  • "I can always, I've always kind of seen through [capitalism]." (12:30)
  • "Capitalism has swallowed the universe or like the globe." (12:50)
  • "I'm reporting from within the system... because I am also the problem." (16:00)
  • "I am part of the system. And that is very helpful for me..." (16:30)
  • "It's popping up like nature being excluded." (13:50)
  • "It's about reporting from within the system." (16:00)

• Trevor Yeung:

  • "Just another woman trying to survive." (00:18)
  • "It feels distant. So somehow the chance of touching the water is not that close." (06:00)
  • "The aquarium is the best like pet to kind of have in Hong Kong." (06:00)
  • "There is absolutely no good food in Venice. It is a total myth." (23:00)
  • "I want the audience to feel... how they think about plants, think about other animals." (17:00)

• Penny Martin:

  • "The hardest part is to trust other people and also believe in people that they are helping you." (18:23)

Timestamp References

• [00:04] Jana Peel introduces the episode.
• [04:00] Hildigunnur shares her first experience in Venice.
• [04:18] Hildigunnur expresses her growing love for Venice.
• [08:37] Hildigunnur describes her exhibition theme.
• [12:30] Hildigunnur discusses her views on capitalism.
• [16:00] Hildigunnur talks about her role within the capitalist system.
• [18:23] Penny Martin on building trust within a team.
• [20:08] Trevor Yeung on embracing the present in art.
• [21:50] Penny Martin recommends Arturo restaurant.
• [22:48] Hildigunnur praises Olivaneri.
• [23:00] Trevor Yeung critiques Venice's culinary scene.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the depth and nuance of the conversation between Hildigunnur Birgisdóttir and Trevor Yeung, offering listeners a vivid portrayal of their artistic journeys, philosophies, and experiences at the Venice Biennale.