Geopolitical tensions and poetic craft collide at the 61st Venice Biennale

The 61st Venice Biennale, titled 'In Minor Keys' and curated by Koyo Kouoh, opened amid unprecedented geopolitical tensions. The exhibition, inspired by the Japanese concept of komorebi (light filtering through leaves), was overshadowed by protests, strikes, and the presence of military agents. On May 9, many national pavilions closed in protest. The Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) led a peaceful demonstration on May 8 outside the Israeli pavilion, relocated to the Arsenale due to renovations. Anish Kapoor condemned US participation. The central pavilion was criticized as overcrowded and chaotic, while the Arsenale offered a better experience. Notable works include Khaled Sabsabi's immersive 'Khalil', Cauleen Smith's video on Los Angeles, Theo Eshetu's 'Garden of the Broken Hearted', Kader Attia's 'Whisper of Traces' exploring digital animism, and Alfredo Jaar's 'The End of the World'—a 4 cm cube of critical minerals. Other artists include Daniel Lind-Ramos, Nicholas Hlobo, Guadalupe Maravilla, Akinbode Akinbiyi, Carrie Schneider, Walid Raad, Annalee Davis, Michael Joo, Uriel Orlow, Dawn Dedeaux, and Éric Baudelaire.