Biancheria stesa fuori dei Veneziani

How do the citizens of this magnificent Italian city cope with the permanent invasion of tourists? The Biancheria stesa fuori dei Veneziani is the laundry hanging and decorating the narrow streets and inner courtyards. It reminds us that behind these imposing buildings live ordinary people going about their daily activities.

Hans J. Mettlerís art is a spectacular photomontage which presents everyday places and situations, and contrasts or juxtaposes them in such a way as to give them a new artistic language. By so doing, the artist succeeds in creating simulated realities, which are the result of a virtual and artificial manipulation.

With these photo-collages on the Splendour of Venice and the series Squares of Venice, Hans J. Mettler created a site-specific photographic installation about Venice for a Cultural Centre in Quebec, Canada.
Ottawa, Autumn 2001