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German Pavilion at Venice Biennale to Feature Posthumous Works by Henrike Naumann in 'Ruin' Exhibition

exhibition · 2026-04-16

On May 9, the German Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale will debut its exhibition titled 'Ruin,' curated by Kathleen Reinhardt. This showcase will highlight the works of the late Henrike Naumann and Sung Tieu, addressing historical disruptions stemming from East Germany and the post-reunification era. Naumann finalized her pieces shortly before her passing a few weeks ago. The exhibition explores ongoing political, social, and architectural divides, with the typography of 'Ruin' drawing inspiration from graffiti found in the last GDR pavilion. Established in 1895, the Venice Biennale is the oldest platform for contemporary art. Additionally, Lubin Baugin's 'Stillleben mit Financiers' fetched €440,000 at auction on August 16, 2025, setting a new record. A benefit auction by the Friends of the Pinakothek der Moderne is scheduled for November 15.

Key facts

  • German Pavilion at Venice Biennale opens May 9, 2026
  • Title 'Ruin' curated by Kathleen Reinhardt
  • Features works by Henrike Naumann and Sung Tieu
  • Naumann died recently but completed her contributions
  • Focus on East Germany and post-1990 reunification
  • Typography from graffiti on final GDR pavilion
  • Venice Biennale founded in 1895
  • Lubin Baugin's 'Stillleben mit Financiers' sold for €440,000 on August 16, 2025

Entities

Artists

  • Henrike Naumann
  • Sung Tieu
  • Gerhard Richter
  • Joseph Beuys
  • Yael Bartana
  • Ersan Mondtag
  • Lubin Baugin
  • Peter Halley

Institutions

  • Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa)
  • Georg Kolbe Museum
  • Kunstbiennale Venedig
  • Vichy Enchères
  • Louvre
  • Sotheby's
  • Freunde der Pinakothek der Moderne
  • Pinakothek der Moderne
  • Breker
  • Venice Biennale

Locations

  • Berlin
  • Germany
  • Venedig
  • Italy
  • Vichy
  • France
  • Toulouse
  • New York
  • United States
  • Cologne
  • Göteborg
  • Sweden
  • Venice

Sources