Anca Benera and Arnold Estefán to Represent Romania at 2026 Venice Biennale
Romania will be represented by artists Anca Benera and Arnold Estefán at the 61st Venice Biennale, taking place from 9 May to 22 November 2026 in the Giardini. Their work, titled "Black Seas — Scores for the Sonic Eye," includes a two-channel video installation that combines sound with sculptural components, drawing inspiration from the rhythms and geopolitical issues surrounding the Black Sea. The duo was chosen through a competition held in November 2025, with the results revealed in mid-January 2026. They have a three-month period to refine their project at the Romanian Pavilion and the Romanian Cultural Institute in Cannaregio. This initiative, which critiques national identities while referencing historical gestures, celebrates 150 years since the birth of Constantin Brâncuși and is backed by Versace and ArtReview.
Key facts
- Anca Benera and Arnold Estefán represent Romania at the 61st Venice Biennale.
- The Biennale runs from 9 May to 22 November 2026.
- Their project is titled 'Black Seas — Scores for the Sonic Eye'.
- The installation includes a two-channel video, sound, and sculptural buoys.
- The Romanian Pavilion is in the Giardini.
- A second venue is the Romanian Cultural Institute for Humanistic Research in Cannaregio.
- The competition for the pavilion was in November 2025; results announced mid-January 2026.
- 2026 marks 150 years since Constantin Brâncuși's birth, declared 'Year of Brâncuși' in Romania.
Entities
Artists
- Anca Benera
- Arnold Estefán
- Constantin Brâncuși
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Versace
- Romanian Cultural Institute for Humanistic Research
- Pavilion of Romania
- Venice Art Biennale
- Romanian Institute of Culture and Humanistic Research
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini
- Cannaregio
- Romania
- Black Sea
- Transylvania
- Germany
- France
- Netherlands
- Estonia
- Ukraine
- Danube
- Don
- Dnieper
- Atlantic Ocean
- Namib Desert