Koyo Kouoh's Posthumous Biennale 'In Minor Keys' Opens in Venice
The 61st Venice Biennale, themed 'In minor keys' and curated by Koyo Kouoh, commenced in May 2026 at the Giardini and Arsenale, emphasizing ecological awareness. The Central Pavilion presents a unified setting that explores the interactions among humans, plants, and animals. Meanwhile, the Arsenale features notable pieces such as Alfredo Jaar's 'End of the world' (2023-2024), Kader Attia's 'Whisper of traces' (2026), Eric Baudelaire's video 'Death Passed My Way and Stuck This Flower in My Mouth' (2021), along with sculptures by Nicholas Hlobo and Michael Joo. Prominent national pavilions include those from Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, Serbia, and Italy. Khaled Sabsabi's Australian pavilion provides a contemplative sound experience. The event will continue until November 22, 2026.
Key facts
- The 61st Venice Biennale is titled 'In minor keys' and curated by the late Koyo Kouoh.
- The exhibition opened in May 2026 at the Giardini and Arsenale venues.
- The Biennale runs until November 22, 2026.
- Alfredo Jaar's installation 'End of the world' (2023-2024) addresses mineral extraction.
- Kader Attia's 'Whisper of traces' (2026) critiques technoscience.
- Eric Baudelaire's five-channel video 'Death Passed My Way and Stuck This Flower in My Mouth' (2021) focuses on the global flower trade.
- The Austrian Pavilion features 'Seaworld Venice' by Florentina Holzinger.
- The Italian Pavilion by Chiara Camoni includes 24 ceramic female figures.
Entities
Artists
- Koyo Kouoh
- Alfredo Jaar
- Kader Attia
- Eric Baudelaire
- Nicholas Hlobo
- Michael Joo
- Florentina Holzinger
- Maja Malou Lyse
- Yto Barrada
- Henrike Naumann
- Sung Tieu
- Oriol Villarosa
- Predrag Đaković
- Chiara Camoni
- Khaled Sabsabi
- Irene Fanizza
- Ludovico Pratesi
Institutions
- Biennale di Venezia
- Giardini della Biennale
- Arsenale
- Artribune
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini
- Arsenale
- Austria
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Spain
- Serbia
- Australia