The Objects of Desire
Beatriz Gerenstein participated in the exhibition“Personal Structures” during the 57th Venice Biennale 2017. This exhibition was organized by the European Cultural Centre.
Beatriz Gerenstein presented one installation composed of seven pieces of unique sculptures – handbags, The Objects of Desire.
The Concept
With the rise of consumer culture, handbags have become essential in defining one's identity. They symbolize social status and place in society, serving as more than mere embellishments.
Handbags have become "star" accessories, complete status symbols, and true "objects of desire." Women from all social statuses, geographic regions, and cultures aspire to carry the best bag, whether authentic or not.
This desire to dress well and present oneself beautifully reflects an innate feeling, capturing the essence of femininity.
The Sculptures
Beatriz Gerenstein's sculpture-handbags evoke a primitive aesthetic, as if crafted by a cave-girl. Gerenstein stripped the concept of a handbag down to its most basic and minimalist form, creating sculptures that appear to be made from tree twigs tied with plant fiber strings. She then coated the bronze twigs with 24-karat gold and adorned them with unique bronze designs, semi-precious stones, and exotic feathers to "accessorize" the handbags.
The warm glow of the gold patina and the vibrant handles with sparkling semi-precious stones contrast with their archaic appearance. This juxtaposition introduces a playful element and highlights the uniqueness and luxury that can be found in a handbag.
The Installation
Beatriz Gerenstein designed the installation to resemble a high-end bag exhibition store. She set up her exhibition, "The Objects of Desire," in a room within the 400-year-old Palazzo Mora. The walls of the room were concealed, and spotlights were strategically placed to highlight each sculpture. Each bag sculpture was displayed on a dark gray pedestal, with a transparent plexiglass box placed over it, enhancing the presentation's exclusivity and focus
