ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Dana Awartani on Cultural Erasure at Venice Biennale

exhibition · 2026-05-13

Palestinian-Saudi artist Dana Awartani presents an installation at the Saudi pavilion of the Venice Biennale, addressing cultural erasure caused by both bombs and ideologies amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Her work explores the erosion of heritage through physical destruction and ideological imposition. Awartani emphasizes that art provides a reason to live, offering resilience in the face of adversity. The installation is part of the Saudi national pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale.

Key facts

  • Dana Awartani is a Palestinian-Saudi artist.
  • Her installation is at the Saudi pavilion of the Venice Biennale.
  • The work focuses on cultural erasure and erosion.
  • Erosion is caused by both bombs and ideologies.
  • The context is conflict in the Middle East.
  • Awartani states: 'Art gives you a reason to live.'
  • The Venice Biennale is a major international art exhibition.
  • The Saudi pavilion is a national representation.

Entities

Artists

  • Dana Awartani

Institutions

  • Saudi pavilion
  • Venice Biennale

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Middle East

Sources