Art: Nauman in the spotlight

His presentation is called "Topological Gardens," from topology, the field of mathematics that examines the continuity of space amid changing conditions. Nauman studied topology at the University of Wisconsin before getting a master of fine arts in California, and his interest in translating topological principles into art dates to his early "mapping" videos.

Topology involves the interchangeability of inside and outside - and, by extension, of public and private - a consistent thread in Nauman's work.

Basualdo, who teaches in Venice for part of each year, describes the city as experiential because of the way people move through it. "Maybe in some way the city could tell something about Nauman's work and vice versa," he said.

Basualdo and Taylor, his curatorial partner, have organized Nauman's art into three thematic groups - Heads and Hands (a reference to the artist's frequent use of body parts in many works), Sound and Space, and Fountains and Neons.

Each of the three sites will display a mix of these themes, although the proportions will differ. The university installations, in which students will participate, promise to be the most topological for visitors.

On reflection, and contrary to my initial reaction to Nauman's selection, he seems like an inspired choice to represent America's national character. His art has been consistently innovative, daring, and provocative. He hasn't been reluctant to try out new ideas, or squeamish about falling flat or coming up shallow.

He has been inspirational for young artists in many countries, and, like Jasper Johns, whom the Art Museum presented in Venice in 1988, he has become an acknowledged master of his generation. Yet his work continues to feel fresh because he doesn't regurgitate old ideas.

As Basualdo observes, "It's very tough work to understand, but if you spend time, it opens itself up, then gives itself up - but not immediately." No sir, definitely not immediately.