61st Venice Biennale Preview: Koyo Kouoh's 'In Minor Keys' Amid Global Turmoil
The 61st Venice Biennale, themed 'In Minor Keys' and curated by Koyo Kouoh, launches amidst rising geopolitical strife following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2025. Tragically, Kouoh passed away on May 10, 2025. The exhibition draws inspiration from Édouard Glissant's concepts of 'creole garden' and 'relational geography,' featuring 111 artists from Dakar. Notable controversies include the reinstatement of Khaled Sabsabi for the Australian pavilion, South Africa's withdrawal due to Gabrielle Goliath's proposal, and opposition from over 70 artists against participation from Israel, Russia, and the US. Featured works include India's 'Geographies of Distance,' Hong Kong's 'Fermata,' and Saudi Arabia's pavilion by Dana Awartani, among others.
Key facts
- 61st Venice Biennale titled 'In Minor Keys' curated by Koyo Kouoh.
- Koyo Kouoh died on May 10, 2025, before the exhibition opened.
- US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2025.
- Khaled Sabsabi was dropped then reinstated for the Australian pavilion.
- South Africa withdrew; Gabrielle Goliath will present independently.
- Over 70 artists signed an open letter opposing Israel, Russia, and US participation.
- 111 artists participate in the main exhibition.
- India returns after a seven-year absence with a pavilion curated by Amin Jaffer.
Entities
Artists
- Koyo Kouoh
- Khaled Sabsabi
- Gabrielle Goliath
- Hiba Abu Nada
- Alfredo Jaar
- Gala Porras-Kim
- Walid Raad
- Yoshiko Shimada
- Carolina Caycedo
- Nina Katchadourian
- Éric Baudelaire
- Guadalupe Maravilla
- Zoe Leonard
- fierce pussy
- Alwar Balasubramaniam
- Sumakshi Singh
- Ranjani Shettar
- Asim Waqif
- Skarma Sonam Tashi
- Kingsley Ng
- Angel Hui
- Jon Cuyson
- Dana Awartani
- Amanda Heng
- Marina Abramović
- Mays Albaik
- Jawad Al Malhi
- Farah Al Qasimi
- Alaa Edris
- Lamya Gargash
- Taus Makhacheva
- Jahongir Bobokulov
- Zi Kakhramonova
- Aygul Sarsen
- Zulfiya Spowart
- Xin Liu
- A.A.Murakami
- Nguyen Phuong Linh
- Édouard Glissant
- Toni Morrison
- Louis Lu
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- RAW Material Company
- Australian Pavilion
- South African Pavilion
- Hong Kong Museum of Art
- Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation
- Diriyah Biennale Foundation
- Talwar Gallery
- Marina Abramović Archives
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Dakar
- Senegal
- Australia
- South Africa
- Gaza
- Israel
- Russia
- United States
- Iran
- India
- Hong Kong
- Philippines
- Manila
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Andaman Sea
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Karakalpakstan
- Aral Sea
- Salvador
- Beirut
- San Juan
- Nashville
- Paris
- New Delhi
- New York