2023 Bonavista Biennale: Host

Bonavista Peninsula, NL
Aug 19 – Sept 17, 2023


The 2023 Bonavista Biennale takes shape through the aspirations and conceptual framework of Host. This word has many meanings. Socially, it implies the receiving of a guest, with expectations of generosity as well as reciprocity. In ecology, it describes inter-species relations, which can be mutually beneficial or parasitic. Across this range of definitions, there is a common factor that is activated by contact, interaction and a degree of accommodation. Each involves a meeting point and a relationship: between people, perspectives, life forms, or locations. There is an offer or a transfer: of willingness, gifts, resources, energy, knowledge, stories or time. We ground our thinking in the consideration of Land and Water as our primary hosts—holders of expansive histories and intricate knowledges, and the foundation for all contact points across the scales of urban, rural, personal and collective. 


Curators: Ryan Rice and Rose Bouthillier
Curatorial Advisory: Jenelle Duval, Bushra Junaid, Bethany MacKenzie and Ossie Michelin

Visit The Biennale’s exhibition page here (catalogue available as free download).
View my pages in the catalogue here.

Exhibition documentation courtesy of Bonavista Biennale. Photos: Brian Ricks.