16th Venice Architecture Biennale
The "Third Partner" at the Giardino
"The Third Partner" was presented by Beatriz Gerenstein during the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale (2018) and installed in the Giardino della Marinaressa, overlooking the Venice Lagoon near St. Mark's Square. This monumental stainless-steel sculpture explores the invisible forces that connect people in love, friendship, and collaboration. Through the powerful image of a three-ended knot reaching toward the sky, The Third Partner reflects on the mysterious energy that nurtures human relationships and allows meaningful connections to flourish.
The Third Partner, Stainless Steel, 2018. 10.2 x 10.8 x 2 feet (310 x 210 x 60 cm)
Presented in the historic and inspiring setting of the Giardino della Marinaressa, The Third Partner invited visitors to reflect on the nature of human relationships and the unseen forces that shape our lives.
The monumental sculpture, standing 3.1 meters (10.5 feet) tall and crafted in mirror-polished stainless steel, became a striking landmark within the exhibition, engaging in a dynamic dialogue with the surrounding landscape, the Venetian architecture, and the ever-changing light of the lagoon.
At the heart of the work is a large sculptural knot. While a traditional knot is formed by two interconnected ends, Gerenstein reimagines this familiar symbol with a third extension. Two ends emerge from the knot and connect harmoniously to the base, representing the individuals involved in a relationship. The third end rises upward toward the sky, symbolizing what the artist calls "The Third Partner"—an intangible yet essential force that enables human connection. Whether expressed through love, friendship, family bonds, or professional collaboration, this invisible presence represents the energy, trust, empathy, spirituality, or shared purpose that allows relationships to grow and endure.
Throughout her artistic practice, Gerenstein has explored themes of connection, coexistence, and the shared experiences that unite humanity. In The Third Partner, these ideas are distilled into a simple yet powerful visual language. The sculpture suggests that every meaningful relationship depends not only on the individuals involved, but also on a transcendent element that elevates and sustains the bond between them.
The setting amplified the work's symbolic power. Positioned between the lush greenery of the garden and the shimmering waters of the Venice Lagoon, the sculpture's reflective surface captured changing tones of blue and green throughout the day. Sunlight, water, vegetation, and sky became active participants in the artwork, creating ever-changing reflections that reinforced its themes of interconnection, transformation, and harmony. Through its monumental presence and poetic symbolism, The Third Partner offered visitors a contemplative experience that resonated with both the architectural context of the Biennale and the universal human desire for connection.