Bodys Isek Kingelez removed from Venice Biennale main exhibition

The 61st Venice Biennale faces a new controversy with the posthumous exclusion of Congolese artist Bodys Isek Kingelez from the final list of the central exhibition, after his name had been initially announced. Known for his utopian city models, Kingelez died in 2015. His removal, without equivalent replacement, has drawn criticism from experts who see it as a symbolic loss amid ongoing debates about diversity and the presence of African artists. The decision highlights structural fragility in the curation process, exacerbated by the death of curator Koyo Kouoh, who originally led the project. The episode reinforces perceptions of an edition marked by instability and constant revision, where even artist participation becomes uncertain.