Florentina Holzinger's Provocative Performance Dominates Austrian Pavilion at Venice Biennale
Florentina Holzinger's "SEAWORLD VENICE" at the Austrian Pavilion has become the most talked-about pavilion of the 61st Venice Biennale, running from May 9 to November 22, 2026, at the Giardini. The provocative performance artist, known for her boundary-pushing work, made an immediate impact during the press and professional preview days starting May 5, where she used her own body as a clapper to strike a large bell. This spectacle overshadowed protests by Femen, Pussy Riot, and other feminists outside the Russian Pavilion. The Biennale's central exhibition, "In minor keys," curated by Koyo Kouoh, takes a deliberately low-key approach, avoiding the spectacular in favor of subtle, marginalized works. Holzinger's bold, media-grabbing performance contrasts sharply with Kouoh's intimate curation, yet both visions coexist, highlighting the Biennale's embrace of diverse artistic expressions. Photos by Nicole Marianna Wytyczak document the installation.
Key facts
- Florentina Holzinger's 'SEAWORLD VENICE' is at the Austrian Pavilion of the 61st Venice Biennale.
- The Biennale runs from May 9 to November 22, 2026, at the Giardini.
- Holzinger's performance during press days (May 5) involved striking a bell with her body.
- Her work overshadowed protests by Femen, Pussy Riot, and other feminists at the Russian Pavilion.
- The central exhibition 'In minor keys' is curated by Koyo Kouoh.
- Kouoh's curation avoids spectacle, focusing on subtle, marginalized works.
- Photos of the pavilion are by Nicole Marianna Wytyczak.
- The Biennale is the 61st edition.
Entities
Artists
- Florentina Holzinger
- Koyo Kouoh
Institutions
- Austrian Pavilion
- Venice Biennale
- Russian Pavilion
- Femen
- Pussy Riot
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini