Jon Cuyson and Mara Gladstone to Represent Philippines at 2026 Venice Biennale with 'Sea of Love / Dagat ng Pag-ibig'
For the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026, the Philippines has appointed interdisciplinary artist and filmmaker Jon Cuyson alongside curator Mara Gladstone to represent its national pavilion. Cuyson's exhibition, 'Sea of Love / Dagat ng Pag-ibig,' will showcase a diverse array of paintings, videos, sculptures, and other artworks that span 30 years, highlighting the vital role of Filipino seafarers in global trade. His artistic approach, termed 'Mussel Thinking,' draws inspiration from the behavior of mussels, emphasizing themes of care, permeability, and interdependence. Cuyson describes his work as partial archives of hidden histories and maritime labor. Gladstone pointed out the significance of water as a home, emphasizing love's humanizing role amid globalization. The 61st Venice Biennale is scheduled from May 9 to November 22, 2026.
Key facts
- Jon Cuyson and Mara Gladstone will represent the Philippines at the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026.
- The exhibition is titled 'Sea of Love / Dagat ng Pag-ibig' and will feature works from Cuyson's past three decades.
- Cuyson's practice uses a conceptual framework called 'Mussel Thinking,' inspired by mussels' behaviors.
- The exhibition focuses on Filipino seafarers' contributions to global trade.
- The Philippines returned to the Venice Biennale in 2015 after a 51-year hiatus.
- Mark Salvatus represented the Philippines in the last edition with Carlos Quijon, Jr. as curator.
- The 61st Venice Biennale runs from May 9 to November 22, 2026.
- Cuyson explores heritage, ecology, and maritime themes in his multimedia works.
Entities
Artists
- Jon Cuyson
- Mara Gladstone
- Mark Salvatus
- Carlos Quijon, Jr.
- Iain Cocks
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Philippine Pavilion
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Manila
- Philippines
- Venice
- Italy