Goen Choi and Hyeree Ro to Represent South Korea at 61st Venice Biennale

Artists Goen Choi and Hyeree Ro will represent South Korea at the 61st Venice Biennale, running from 9 May to 22 November 2026, with their pavilion located in the Giardini. Choi presents 'Meridian,' a sculptural installation of ruptured copper plumbing pipes that traverse the interior and exterior of the Korean Pavilion, exploring invisible infrastructures and the intersection of natural ecologies with geopolitical order. Ro presents 'Bearing,' a spatial installation of membranelike waxed fabric walls enclosing eight stations for mourning, remembering, mending, and living, inspired by Korean gardens and temples. The artistic director is Binna Choi. The Biennale's theme is 'In Minor Keys.' Both artists discussed the role of national pavilions amid rising nationalism, with Choi emphasizing relational exploration and Ro highlighting difference and commonality. Choi cited Nam June Paik and Haegue Yang as influential Korean artists; Ro named writer Han Kang. The interview was part of ArtReview's questionnaire series for national pavilion participants, partnered with Versace.