Malta Biennale 2026 Launches with 130 Artists Exploring 'Clean | Clear | Cut' Theme

The second edition of Malta Biennale runs until 31 May 2026, featuring 130 artists from 43 nations across 11 weeks. Curator Rosa Martínez has selected projects that engage with historic Heritage Malta venues, including the Inquisitor's Palace and Maritime Museum. Swedish artist Anastasia Ax presents an installation at Fort St Angelo exploring rupture and transformation as part of her ongoing Settlers series. Performance artist Sachiko Abe presents Cut Papers, a work measuring time through scissor sounds previously shown in 23 cities. Emily Jacir's interdisciplinary practice examines trans-Mediterranean geographies, while Melita Couta creates hollow ceramic vessels described as "fossils in reverse." Biennale President Mario Cutajar states the event aims to cement Malta's position as an international contemporary art platform by revisiting the past to reflect on present societal dialogues. The biennale transforms museums and sites across the Maltese Islands, blending contemporary art with cultural heritage through site-specific installations and performances.