The Icelandic installation at the Venice Biennale continues to spark controversy. Venetians have called for a boycott of Icelandic products and plan to protest outside the installation space, reports newsagent Vísir.
The installation is called The Mosque: First Mosque in the Historic City of Venice and is located in a former Catholic church in the Cannaregio neighbourhood. The space serves as a temporary place of activity for the Venice Muslim Community and includes educational and cultural programmes for the public. The artist, Christoph Büchel, collaborated with the Icelandic and Venetian Muslim societies on the project.
Read more: Iceland’s contribution to the Venice Biennale considered a security threat
The installation formally opened last Friday, attracting many visitors. However, it seems to have upset members of the Catholic Church in Venice as well as local authorities.
“Those who have come here to pray are feeling a little apprehensive. Many want to back down,” said Sverrir Agnarsson, director of the Icelandic Muslim Association, who is in Venice.
We don't want to provoke anyone. This is an artistic installation which can encourage dialogue, Mohamed Amin Al Ahdab, the leader of the Muslim community in Venice, told the Telegraph.
The Icelandic installation at the Venice Biennale continues to spark controversy. Venetians have called for a boycott of Icelandic products and plan to protest outside the installation space, reports newsagent Vísir.
The installation is called The Mosque: First Mosque in the Historic City of Venice and is located in a former Catholic church in the Cannaregio neighbourhood. The space serves as a temporary place of activity for the Venice Muslim Community and includes educational and cultural programmes for the public. The artist, Christoph Büchel, collaborated with the Icelandic and Venetian Muslim societies on the project.
Read more: Iceland’s contribution to the Venice Biennale considered a security threat
The installation formally opened last Friday, attracting many visitors. However, it seems to have upset members of the Catholic Church in Venice as well as local authorities.
“Those who have come here to pray are feeling a little apprehensive. Many want to back down,” said Sverrir Agnarsson, director of the Icelandic Muslim Association, who is in Venice.
We don't want to provoke anyone. This is an artistic installation which can encourage dialogue, Mohamed Amin Al Ahdab, the leader of the Muslim community in Venice, told the Telegraph.
