Ei Arakawa-Nash to Represent Japan at Venice Biennale with Babies Motif

Ei Arakawa-Nash, the first non-Japanese national to represent Japan in a solo presentation at the Venice Biennale, will present 'Grass Babies, Moon Babies' at the Japan Pavilion from 9 May to 22 November 2026. The exhibition, cocurated by Lisa Horikawa and Takahashi Mizuki, features 200 baby dolls with mirrored sunglasses, 57 of which carry historical dates addressing Japanese colonialism, women's reproductive rights, queer history, and labour politics. Visitors can carry the dolls, which weigh five to six kilograms, turning them into caregivers. The project includes a collaboration with the Korean Pavilion, curated by Binna Choi, marking the first such collaboration in 30 years. Korean artists Goen Choi and Hyeree Ro will participate in an exchange. Arakawa-Nash, who became a US citizen in 2019 and gave up his Japanese nationality, uses the babies to explore themes of care, reparation, and historical amends. The dolls' sunglasses reflect visitors, creating a gaze that challenges adults. The installation also includes 'diaper poems' and references to Yayoi Kusama's 1966 guerrilla performance. The Japan Pavilion, designed by Takamasa Yoshizaka, will host the work, which Arakawa-Nash describes as more radical than his 2024 solo exhibition 'Paintings Are Popstars' at the National Art Center, Tokyo.