India Announces Artists and Curator for 2026 Venice Biennale Pavilion
India announced its participation in the 61st Venice Biennale on February 3, with a national pavilion named 'Geographies of Distance: remembering home.' This marks the country’s first appearance at the event since 2019. Curated by Amin Jaffer, the pavilion features works by five artists: Alwar Balasubramaniam, Sumakshi Singh, Ranjani Shettar, Asim Waqif, and Skarma Sonam Tashi. Their artworks emphasize the concept of home as a tapestry of histories and narratives, utilizing traditional organic materials to reflect on environmental and cultural topics. The exhibition will include performances and discussions, further promoting India's artistic heritage.
Key facts
- India announced its national pavilion for the 61st Venice Biennale on February 3.
- The pavilion is titled 'Geographies of Distance: remembering home.'
- India returns to the Venice Biennale for the first time since 2019.
- Curator Amin Jaffer selected five artists: Alwar Balasubramaniam (Bala), Sumakshi Singh, Ranjani Shettar, Asim Waqif, and Skarma Sonam Tashi.
- The exhibition explores home as a shifting state of fragmented histories, mythologies, and memories.
- All five artists use traditional organic materials in their work.
- The pavilion will feature performances and conversations combining movement, music, and visual art.
- The pavilion is presented by India's Ministry of Culture, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, and Serendipity Arts Foundation.
Entities
Artists
- Alwar Balasubramaniam (Bala)
- Sumakshi Singh
- Ranjani Shettar
- Asim Waqif
- Skarma Sonam Tashi
- Amin Jaffer
- Alwar Balasubramaniam
- Sonam Skarma Tashi
Institutions
- Ministry of Culture (India)
- Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre
- Serendipity Arts Foundation
- ArtAsiaPacific
- Venice Biennale
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- India