steve mcqueen has been selected to represent britain at the 2009 venice art biennale

‘hunger’ by steve mcqueen, 2008

political themes are deeply explored, but hunger avoids being overly preachy. the film follows the true story of the last six weeks in the life of inmate bobby sands, a hunger striker and member of the IRA.

‘hunger’ is the first feature film by british video artist steve mcqueen, a former turner prizewinner. fresh from his success at the cannes film festival (it took the caméra d’or prize), steve mcqueen, will now show in venice, italy. he is following in the footsteps of henry moore, gilbert & george and, most recently, tracey emin. his early work was on black and white film, without sound, for a series of emotionally charged films, but he has gone on to use colour video and incorporated audio tracks.

the venice art biennale is the world’s oldest contemporary art fair and still the world’s foremost showcase. this 53rd international art exhibition, titled ‘making worlds’ will take place 7th june to 22nd november. considering collectives, the event will comprise works by over 90 artists from all over the world. since 1938, the british council has been responsible for choosing and presenting british artists at the biennale.

portrait as an escapologist (2006) black and white posters, 3.6 x 10 m, Ed. 4/4 courtesy thomas dane gallery

catch,1997, color video projection, silent, 1 minute 54 seconds courtesy marian goodman gallery