BGL (English and French Edition)

They've been called cheeky pranksters but the immersive installations created by the artistic collective lampoon consumer culture with a razor-sharp wit. BGL's exhibitions have included the staging of an ornamental tree factory, a bonfire and a flea market; and their urban carousel made from security fences and lampposts joyously greeted visitors at MASS MoCA's 2012 exhibition, Oh Canada. Through their ingeniously-crafted works, BGL repositions cultural ephemera and unique sculptures in new and thought-provoking ways, often requiring viewer engagement and always to general delight. This in-depth examination of BGL's practice accompanies the world premiere of their new work, Canadassimo, created especially for 2015 Venice Biennial, where the collective is representing Canada. A massive installation making spectators virtually oblivious to the venue's context and architecture, this multilevel labyrinth obfuscates appearances to force new readings of performative spaces, stages and art history. While the work may resemble a collision between nature and a modernist exposition pavilion, it is in fact a theatrical device that awakens the viewer to a center stage where the you-centerd performance is about to unfold. Abundantly illustrated, with essays and an interview with the artists.