Kazakhstan's Venice Biennale pavilion explores silence, memory, and cultural heritage through nine artists
At the 61st Venice Biennale, Kazakhstan's national pavilion will showcase "Qoñyr: Archive of Silence," curated by Syrlybek Bekbota, aligning with the 2026 Biennale Arte theme "In Minor Keys" set by Koyo Kouoh. The exhibition will feature nine artists, including Ardak Mukanova, Gulmaral Tattibayeva, and Natalya Ligay, displayed in six rooms at the Museo Storico Navale. The term "Qoñyr" embodies elements like brown hues, nostalgic sounds, earthy scents, and silence. Notable pieces include ADYR-ASPAN's sound installation, Bekbota's video Aitys, and a cultural adaptation installation by Smagambetov and Kaboke. Additional artworks delve into memory and heritage. Bekbota's proposal was selected through an open call by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture, marking the nation's inaugural competitive entry for Venice.
Key facts
- Kazakhstan's pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale is titled "Qoñyr: Archive of Silence"
- Curator Syrlybek Bekbota developed the concept in response to the theme "In Minor Keys" by Koyo Kouoh
- Nine artists are featured: Ardak Mukanova, Gulmaral Tattibayeva, Natalya Ligay (ADYR-ASPAN), Anar Aubakir, Asel Kadyrkhanova, Smail Bayaliyev, Nurbol Nurakhmet, Mansur Smagambetov, Oralbek Kaboke
- The exhibition occupies six rooms at the Museo Storico Navale in Venice
- Kazakhstan has used the Museo Storico Navale for its pavilion since 2022
- "Qoñyr" is a Kazakh term meaning brown hue, nostalgic sound, earth scent, and dense silence
- The concept was chosen via an open call by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and Information
- This marks Kazakhstan's first competitive selection process for its Venice Biennale participation
Entities
Artists
- Syrlybek Bekbota
- Ardak Mukanova
- Gulmaral Tattibayeva
- Natalya Ligay
- Anar Aubakir
- Asel Kadyrkhanova
- Smail Bayaliyev
- Nurbol Nurakhmet
- Mansur Smagambetov
- Oralbek Kaboke
- Äbiken Khasenov
- Koyo Kouoh
- Michele Chan
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Biennale Arte 2026
- Museo Storico Navale
- Ministry of Culture and Information (Kazakhstan)
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Semipalatinsk