ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Merike Estna to Transform Estonian Pavilion into Open Studio for 2026 Venice Biennale

exhibition · 2026-04-09

From 9 May to 22 November 2026, Merike Estna will showcase Estonia at the 61st Venice Biennale. She intends to convert the national pavilion located at Calle S. Domenico 1285 into an interactive studio, where attendees can observe her live painting. Estna aims to produce 22 paintings on-site, drawing inspiration from her fascination with 'living painting' and historical female artists such as Lavinia Fontana. Her artwork contemplates the history of women in art and resonates with the Biennale's theme, 'In Minor Keys.' During the event, Estna, who teaches part-time at the Estonian Academy of Arts, will reside in Venice with her family, highlighting the evolving nature of national pavilions and art's role in personal and political narratives.

Key facts

  • Merike Estna represents Estonia at the 61st Venice Biennale (9 May–22 November 2026).
  • She will transform the Estonian pavilion at Calle S. Domenico 1285 into an open studio.
  • Estna plans to create 22 paintings live during the Biennale, starting with an empty canvas.
  • Her work is influenced by female painters like Lavinia Fontana, Tintoretta, and Paula Modersohn-Becker.
  • Estna is a part-time professor at the Estonian Academy of Arts.
  • She admires Estonian artists Jaan Toomik, Kaido Ole, Edith Karlson, Jaanus Samma, Kristi Kongi, and Kris Lemsalu.
  • The project includes ceramic tiles for the pavilion floor and a new artist book.
  • Estna will live in Venice with her family throughout the Biennale.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Estonia
  • Soviet Union
  • Tallinn
  • Mexico City
  • Mexico
  • Warsaw
  • Poland
  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources

Related stories