Biennale Matter of Art 2026 in Prague: 'Necessary Wishes' Explores Art as Social Practice
The fourth Biennale Matter of Art, titled 'Necessary Wishes,' commenced in Prague on June 12, 2026, and will continue until September 13, 2026. Curated by Jaroslava Tomanová, Jakub Gawkowski, and František Fekete, this exhibition emphasizes the importance of art in fostering social solidarity. Located at the Trade Fair Palace of the National Gallery Prague, it also features satellite locations at GAMPA – City Gallery Pardubice and Tusculum Prague. Local collectives such as FId and StonyTellers, inspired by ruangrupa, have contributed to the event. kroužek intersekce has constructed a tent-like installation for cultural initiatives. Artists Zaher Jureidini and Leila Basma explore migrant narratives, while Noor Abed and Huda Takriti present Palestinian viewpoints. Noteworthy queer contributions include pieces by Jürgen Baldiga, Yana Bachynska, and Adrián Kriška. The exhibition's design by RUINA office prioritizes sustainability.
Key facts
- The fourth Biennale Matter of Art, titled 'Necessary Wishes,' runs from June 12 to September 13, 2026.
- Curated by Jaroslava Tomanová, Jakub Gawkowski, and František Fekete.
- Main venue: National Gallery Prague – Trade Fair Palace, with satellite venues at GAMPA – City Gallery Pardubice and Tusculum Prague.
- Prague-based collectives FId, StonyTellers, kroužek intersekce, and Shella Radio contribute, inspired by ruangrupa.
- kroužek intersekce created a tent-like structure for independent cultural initiatives.
- Artists include Jürgen Baldiga, Yana Bachynska aka Jan Bačynsjkyj, Adrián Kriška, Zaher Jureidini, Leila Basma, Noor Abed, and Huda Takriti.
- Baldiga's archive is held by Berlin's Schwules Museum.
- Architectural design by RUINA office.
- The biennial is organized by Biennale Matter of Art (organization).
Entities
Artists
- Jaroslava Tomanová
- Jakub Gawkowski
- František Fekete
- Jürgen Baldiga
- Yana Bachynska
- Jan Bačynsjkyj
- Adrián Kriška
- Zaher Jureidini
- Leila Basma
- Noor Abed
- Huda Takriti
- Derek Jarman
- Fred Moten
- Stefano Harney
- Aron Neubert
- AntiGonna
- Szymon Adamczak
- Željka Aleksić
- Gleb Amankulov
- David Apakidze
- Rufina Bazlova
- Ștefan Bertalan
- Cezary Bodzianowski
- Tina Bxtq
- Michal Durda
- Jan Durina
- Fůd
- GALAS
- Hana Garová
- Laďa Gažiová
- Davyd Chychkan
- Nosrat Karimi
- Seba Kayan
- Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven
- Běla Kolářová
- kroužek intersekce
- Isadora Neves Marques
- Nadia Markiewicz
- Zoi Michailova
- Shabu Mwangi
- Aliza Orlan
- Bronislava Orlická
- Zuzana Smrkovská
- Taring Padi
- Cezary Poniatowski
- Publik Universal Frxnd
- Margaret Raspé
- Nour Shantout
- Shella Radio
- Alex Sihelsk*
- Felipe Steinberg
- StonyTellers
- Alina Sokolova
- Tadamun Kolektiv
- Fedir Tetyanych
- Liliana Zeic
- Jiří Žák
Institutions
- Biennale Matter of Art
- National Gallery Prague
- GAMPA – City Gallery Pardubice
- Tusculum Prague
- Schwules Museum
- ruangrupa
- FId
- StonyTellers
- kroužek intersekce
- Shella Radio
- RUINA office
- Trade Fair Palace
- Petrohradská kolektiv
- Chittussi Hospital
- tranzit.org
- Biennial Foundation
- GAMPA—City Gallery Pardubice
Locations
- Prague
- Czechia
- Pardubice
- Berlin
- Germany
- Fuerteventura
- Spain
- Czech Republic
- National Gallery Prague – Trade Fair Palace
- GAMPA – City Gallery Pardubice
- Tusculum Prague
- Chittussi Hospital
- Trade Fair Palace
- GAMPA—City Gallery Pardubice