Claudia Larcher

Review

The “red carpet” not only exists in (social) reality but it is also a metaphor: to roll out a red carpet for someone means welcoming them ceremonially. Indeed, much more: it means sweeping their path clean so that the privileged person can go his/her privileged ways. But every privilege is paved with bills that others must pay. This is why the red carpet in Claudia Larcher’s installation is made of street brooms. This does not diminish its beauty, or the promise that not just those who walk on it have the privilege to enjoy for it also has its effect on the spectator. The red carpet and the brooms – both are a part of Venice, of the genius loci: the red carpet is laid out during the biennials and the film festivals, but a lot of cleaning and brushing has to be done before and after.