Ásta Fanney Sigurdardottir to Represent Iceland at 2026 Venice Biennale

Ásta Fanney Sigurdardottir will represent Iceland at the 61st Venice Biennale, held from 9 May to 22 November 2026. Her exhibition, located at the Docks Cantieri Cucchini, draws inspiration from buoys, vessels, and the maritime heritage of the former boat-building site. Sigurdardottir plans to present foldable, portable universes and performances that dismantle structures and reweave destiny. She connects her work to the Biennale theme 'In Minor Keys,' finding many resonances. The artist sees the Biennale as a vital meeting place for humanity to check in on its direction. On nationalism, she argues that nations should be platforms for connection, not division. She cites Björk as a key inspiration for her creativity and freedom. Sigurdardottir highlights Iceland's spontaneous, intuitive culture and the tradition of eating ice cream in freezing cold as a humorous national trait. She believes art is a universal language but notes that Iceland's small size allows for quicker realization of ideas. The pavilion is sponsored by Versace in partnership with ArtReview.