Find out how the experts from Master Builders Solutions provided a pristine setting for one artist at one of the world’s most prestigious exhibitions of contemporary art – the Venice Biennale...
The Venice Biennale – an international art exhibition held bi-annually during odd-numbered years – is an illustrious event with a history dating back to 1895. Today, it integrates other art forms too, with the Biennale Architettura taking place on alternate years to the Biennale Arte. The term ‘Biennale’, or ‘Biennial’ in English, is now used as a generic name for bi-annual art exhibitions and festivals everywhere.
Bertlmann’s exhibition combines old and new works. Inside, large black-and-white posters showcase her ideas and work from the 1970s and 1980s. Outside, the central courtyard features a regimented display of ‘knife roses’ – glass-headed red flowers skewered by stems of slender sword blades – creating a conceptual and precise space in which to think.
Pavilion designer Studio VlayStreeruwitz wanted to achieve continuity of materials and colors to give a seamless effect across the different surfaces against which the art was to be viewed, from the interior to the exterior.
Working with the client to understand their needs and devise the perfect system to complement Bertlmann’s art, the technical team from Master Builders Solutions was able to create a tailormade flooring and wall system to match the artist’s request.
During the application process, Master Builders Solutions supported the contractor in achieving a completely uniform surface in the chosen color, with, no junctions or need for grouts. The extremely high cleanability of the floor ensured that surfaces would remain immaculate throughout the Biennale.
MasterTop 1300 systems are environmentally friendly, too: recognized for their sustainability by DGNB, they have an A+ BREEAM rating from the Building Research Establishment (BRE), based on a whole-lifecycle assessment, and meet AgBB’s stringent regulations. Systems are solvent-free and comply with low emission standards including AFSSET and VOC.
Working against time constraints, weather conditions and the need to carry out several tasks simultaneously, uniform, flat surfaces were achieved on panels of phenolic plywood and MDF across the Austrian pavilion’s walls and floors. The result: a bright white finish that contrasted brilliantly with Bertlmann’s installation!
Read more about Bertlmann’s work at this year’s Biennale here.
Visit our website to learn more about our decorative MasterTop flooring range: https://purefloor-design.master-builders-solutions.com/
Credits for all images: Installation view: Austrian Pavilion, Biennale Arte 2019 © Renate Bertlmann Photo: Sophie Thun