The 61st Venice Art Biennale, guided by the curatorial vision of the late Koyo Kouoh, embraces profound themes of sorrow, remembrance, and the spiritual dimensions of existence. Wolff Architects' exhibition design emphasizes the symbolic power of transitions, inviting attendees to explore alternative understandings. The event has garnered global attention, presenting a wide array of national participations and addressing contemporary issues through art.Exploring Global Narratives: A Journey Through Art and Architecture
The Enduring Vision of the Venice Art Biennale
In December 2024, Koyo Kouoh was appointed as the first African woman to curate the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. She envisioned an exhibition deeply rooted in introspection, exploring grief, memory, spirituality, and collective exhaustion. Following her untimely passing in May 2025, the Biennale committee decided to proceed with her curatorial project, titled "In Minor Keys." Wolff Architects, chosen by Kouoh in early 2025, was tasked with the exhibition's design and scenography. Their approach centered on "the transformative spatial power of the threshold as a portal to alternative comprehension and experiences." The exhibition officially opened on Saturday, May 9, and will conclude on Sunday, November 22, 2026, spanning the historic Giardini della Biennale, the Arsenale di Venezia, and various other venues across Venice.
A Landscape of Artistic Expression and Global Participation
Within the recently refurbished Central Pavilion at the Giardini and throughout the Arsenale, vibrant indigo banners serve as visual markers, guiding visitors through the exhibition's thematic shifts. These banners symbolize transitions, extending from the rafters to the floor. The Biennale features 31 Collateral Events and 100 National Participations, distributed across the Giardini (29), the Arsenale (25), and 46 additional locations within Venice's historic center. New participating countries include the Republic of Guinea, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Nauru, Qatar, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Federal Republic of Somalia, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. El Salvador is also making its debut with its own pavilion. The event has, however, faced public debate and opposition due to the inclusion of certain nations as participants.
Showcasing Diverse Perspectives: Eight Notable National Pavilions
This selection highlights eight national pavilions that, through their distinct themes, artistic techniques, chosen objects, and immersive installations, offer critical and insightful commentary on the built environment and the complexities of contemporary life.
India's Reflection on Home and Belonging: "Geographies of Distance: Remembering Home"
India's pavilion, titled "Geographies of Distance: Remembering Home," is commissioned by the National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture, and curated by Amin Jaffer. It features artists Alwar Balasubramaniam, Sumakshi Singh, Ranjani Shettar, Asim Waqif, and Skarma Sonam Tashi. The exhibition is located at the Arsenale, inviting visitors to contemplate themes of distance and memory related to the concept of home.
Saudi Arabia's Poetic Lament: "May your tears never dry, you who weep over stones"
The Saudi Arabian pavilion, commissioned by the Visual Arts Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and curated by Antonia Carver, presents Dana Awartani's exhibition: "May your tears never dry, you who weep over stones." Housed in the Arsenale, this presentation offers a contemplative exploration of loss and enduring spirit.
Greece's Immersive Narrative: "Escape Room"
The Greek Pavilion, commissioned by Epaminondas Christophilopoulos and Fani Tsatsaia from the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki – MOMUS, is curated by George Bekirakis. Artist Andreas Angelidakis presents "Escape Room" at the Giardini, offering an immersive experience that challenges perceptions and engages viewers in a narrative of escape and exploration.
Lebanon's Candid Expression: "Don't Get Me Wrong"
Lebanon's pavilion, curated by Nada Ghandour, showcases artist Nabil Nahas's work, "Don't Get Me Wrong." Located in the Arsenale, the exhibition provides a frank and unfiltered artistic statement, inviting viewers to engage with its directness and emotional depth.
Canada's Intercultural Dialogue: "Abbas Akhavan: Entre chien et loup"
The Canadian pavilion, commissioned by the National Gallery of Canada (Jean-François Bélisle) and curated by Kim Nguyen, features Abbas Akhavan's exhibition: "Entre chien et loup." Situated in the Giardini, this presentation delves into nuanced themes, exploring the ambiguities and transitions inherent in human experience, often referencing the phrase "between dog and wolf" to denote twilight or uncertainty.
Germany's Contemplation of Decay: "Ruin"
Germany's pavilion, commissioned by ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen and funded by the Federal Foreign Office, is curated by Kathleen Reinhardt. Exhibitors Henrike Naumann and Sung Tieu present "Ruin" at the Giardini, an exploration of decline and transformation, prompting reflection on historical and contemporary forces that shape societal structures.
Holy See's Spiritual Journey: "The Ear is the Eye of the Soul"
The Holy See's pavilion, commissioned by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, and curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Ben Vickers, presents "The Ear is the Eye of the Soul." This multi-venue exhibition features a diverse group of artists and musicians, including Alexander Kluge, Brian Eno, Patti Smith, and Suzanne Ciani, across the Complesso di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice and the Giardino Mistico dei Carmelitani Scalzi. It offers a profound meditative experience, emphasizing the auditory and visual pathways to spiritual insight.
Singapore's Moment of Reflection: "A Pause"
Singapore's pavilion, commissioned by Elaine Ng from the National Arts Council Singapore and curated by Selene Yap, features Amanda Heng Liang Ngim's exhibition: "A Pause." Located in the Arsenale, this installation invites visitors to a moment of contemplation and stillness, reflecting on the importance of quiet introspection in a fast-paced world.
