ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

59th Carnegie International Opens in Pittsburgh with Historical Retrospective

exhibition · 2026-05-05

The 59th Carnegie International debuted on May 2, 2026, at the Carnegie Museum of Art, featuring the theme "if the word we," inspired by Haytham el-Wardany. Curated by Ryan Inouye, Danielle Jackson, and Liz Park, the exhibition showcases 61 artists from around the globe, with half receiving commissions. Highlights include Chris Ofili's 1998 painting, Cinthia Marcelle's commentary on political events, and Khalil Rabah's striking self-portraits. The show also features Georges Adéagbo's installation with local sports memorabilia. Site-specific works are displayed at various locations, and the exhibition runs until January 3, 2027.

Key facts

  • 59th Carnegie International opened May 2, 2026 at Carnegie Museum of Art
  • Title 'if the word we' after a line by Haytham el-Wardany
  • Curated by Ryan Inouye, Danielle Jackson, and Liz Park
  • 61 artists from roughly 61 countries, half commissioned
  • Historical gallery includes Chris Ofili's 1998 painting first shown in 53rd International
  • Cinthia Marcelle's 'Green Hall Annex' references Brasília coup and Jan 6 insurrection
  • Khalil Rabah's 'Making a Right Heart' features photorealistic self-portraits
  • Georges Adéagbo's 'Le Socialisme Africain' includes Pittsburgh Penguins jersey and Terrible Towel
  • Site-specific installations at Kamin Science Center, Children's Museum, Mattress Factory, Thelma Lovette YMCA
  • Exhibition runs through January 3, 2027

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Pittsburgh
  • Pennsylvania
  • United States
  • New York City
  • New York
  • Brooklyn
  • Brasília
  • Brazil
  • Georgia
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • South America
  • Hill District
  • Oakland
  • Los Angeles
  • Egypt
  • Benin
  • Palestine
  • Lebanon
  • Canada
  • England
  • Scotland

Sources