The Republic of Moldova has made a bold debut at the Venice Biennale with an art installation that transforms drones from symbols of war into instruments of wonder. Inside the Santa Veneranda chapel in Venice, traditional Moldovan carpets float through the air, lifted and guided by drones in a hauntingly poetic performance by artist Pavel Braila.
Titled On the Thousand and Second Night, the project blends technology, memory, and folklore into one of the most visually striking presentations at this year’s Biennale. Inspired by the legendary imagery of flying carpets from One Thousand and One Nights, the installation reimagines drones — machines often associated with surveillance and conflict — as carriers of culture, protection, and human connection.
Several authentic carpets from Moldova form the heart of the exhibition, including one brought from the village of Olanesti that belongs to the artist’s own family. Suspended above visitors inside the centuries-old chapel, the textiles create the illusion of movement and weightlessness, turning the historic space into a surreal dialogue between tradition and modern technology.
Curated by Adelina Luft, the Moldovan pavilion marks the country’s first official national participation at the Venice Biennale. The project positions Moldova within one of the world’s most important contemporary art platforms while drawing international attention to the country’s cultural identity and artistic voice.