Kabakovs' Venetian Diary: 550 Residents Co-Author Collective Self-Portrait
In memory of Ilya Kabakov, Venice is set to launch "Venetian Diary," an engaging project by Ilya and Emilia Kabakov. This exhibition gathers diary entries and personal belongings from about 550 residents in the Venice area. Scheduled from May 9 to June 28, 2026, it will take place at Ca' Tron, a historic palazzo on the Grand Canal, as well as at the Venetian Pavilion in the Giardini. The exhibits will be thematically arranged, featuring contributions from locals like shopkeepers, artisans, gondoliers, students, retirees, and cultural workers, who will be referred to by their first names. Curated by Cesare Biasini Selvaggi and Giulia Abate, and supported by BAM and the Municipality of Venice, the project aims to create a captivating installation from these personal stories.
Key facts
- Ilya Kabakov died three years ago.
- Exhibition dates: May 9 to June 28, 2026.
- Venue: Ca' Tron, a sixteenth-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, and the Venetian Pavilion in the Giardini.
- Approximately 550 residents of the Venice metropolitan area participated.
- Participants identified only by first name.
- Curated by Cesare Biasini Selvaggi and Giulia Abate.
- Organized by BAM under the patronage of the Municipality of Venice.
- Presented in conjunction with the 61st Venice Biennale.
Entities
Artists
- Ilya Kabakov
- Emilia Kabakov
Institutions
- BAM
- Municipality of Venice
- Venetian Pavilion
- Giardini
- 61st Venice Biennale
- Venice Biennale
- Ca' Tron
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Ca' Tron
- Grand Canal
- Venetian Pavilion
- Giardini