Eastern European Pavilions Shine at Venice Biennale 2026
The 61st Venice Biennale, under the curation of Koyo Kouoh, highlights striking national pavilions from Eastern Europe, including those from Austria, Serbia, Greece, Poland, Spain, Germany, and Belgium. Serbia presents 'Dal Golgotha alla Resurrezione' by Predrag Djaković, which reflects on 20th-century events. Poland showcases the work of Anca Benera and Arnold Estefán, focusing on the Black Sea. Greece's 'Escape Room' by Andreas Angelidakis merges queer aesthetics with architectural and digital elements, commenting on nationalism. Austria's exhibit, 'Seaworld Venice,' addresses wastewater reuse, while Spain's Oriol Villanova contributes 'Los Restos.' Belgium highlights craftsmanship and music. The Russian pavilion, although technically open, features 'Tree Rooted in the Sky,' conveying a poetic narrative about a mythical tree.
Key facts
- 61st Venice Biennale curated by Koyo Kouoh
- Eastern European pavilions in Giardini are most interesting
- Serbia: Predrag Djaković, 'Dal Golgotha alla Resurrezione'
- Poland: Anca Benera and Arnold Estefán, symphony about Black Sea
- Greece: Andreas Angelidakis, 'Escape Room', queer aesthetic
- Greek pavilion inaugurated in 1934, year of Nazi persecution and Hitler-Mussolini meeting
- Austria: 'Seaworld Venice' on wastewater and reuse
- Spain: Oriol Villanova, 'Los Restos', minimalist
- Belgium: performance and craftsmanship
- Russia: 'Tree Rooted in the Sky', poetic message
Entities
Artists
- Koyo Kouoh
- Predrag Djaković
- Anca Benera
- Arnold Estefán
- Andreas Angelidakis
- Oriol Villanova
- Fabio Mauri
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Giardini
- Arsenale
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Serbia
- Poland
- Greece
- Austria
- Spain
- Belgium
- Russia
- Black Sea
Sources
- Artslife —