Japan's 2026 Venice Biennale Pavilion to Feature First All-Diasporic Curatorial Team
At the upcoming 61st Venice Biennale in 2026, the Japan Foundation has made a groundbreaking choice by appointing Lisa Horikawa and Mizuki Takahashi as co-curators for Japan's Pavilion, a first with all leadership based outside Japan, coinciding with the 70th anniversary. Ei Arakawa-Nash, named Japan's representative in April, will present work centered on performance, parenthood, and diaspora. Horikawa, from the National Gallery Singapore, mentioned that Arakawa-Nash's invitation pushed her to reflect on the history and future of the Japanese diaspora. Takahashi, who leads at CHAT in Hong Kong, discussed her intricate identity as a migrant. The exhibition is set for the Giardini di Castello from May 9 to November 22, 2026, aligning with the Biennale's theme "In Minor Keys."
Key facts
- Ei Arakawa-Nash was appointed Japan's representative for the 61st Venice Biennale in April
- The Japan Foundation announced co-curators Lisa Horikawa and Mizuki Takahashi
- This is the first edition of Japan's Pavilion led by a team based entirely outside Japan
- The Pavilion marks its 70th anniversary in 2026
- Arakawa-Nash's work is influenced by Gutai, Fluxus, Happenings, Judson Dance Theater, and Viennese Actionism
- The exhibition responds to the Biennale theme "In Minor Keys" conceptualized by Koyo Kouoh
- The exhibition runs from May 9 to November 22, 2026 at the Giardini di Castello
- Arakawa-Nash was born in Fukushima in 1977 and now lives in Los Angeles
Entities
Artists
- Ei Arakawa-Nash
- Koyo Kouoh
Institutions
- Japan Foundation
- National Gallery Singapore
- Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile
- CHAT
- Venice Biennale
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Japan
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Venice
- Italy
- Fukushima
- New York
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Giardini di Castello