Xavier Veilhan: Studio Venezia / French Pavilion, Venice Art Biennale 2017

Xavier Veilhan represents France at the 57th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. For the French Pavilion, Xavier Veilhan conceived a musical space in which professional musicians from all over the world work throughout the duration of the exhibition, which is called Studio Venezia. On the occasion of the preview days of the Venice Biennale, we had the chance to speak with Xavier Veilhan about his project. In this interview, Veilhan talks about the basic idea behind project, his connection to music and the kind of music he likes, how he choose the musicians, the difference between music and visual arts, and how Studio Venezia relates to Kurt Schwitters’ Merzbau. Curated by Lionel Bovier and Christian Marclay, Xavier Veilhan’s Studio Venezia brings together musicians, sound technicians, programmers and producers, amongst others. Numerous instruments – familiar ones such as a grand piano, synthesizers, drum kits, as well as more exotic musical tools such as the Cristal Baschet (