Merike Estna to Represent Estonia at 2026 Venice Biennale
Merike Estna has been chosen to represent Estonia at the upcoming 61st Venice Biennale, set to commence in April 2026. The artist, who divides her time between Tallinn and Mexico City, is recognized for her formalist approach to painting that integrates craft techniques often overlooked in the medium. Estna completed her painting studies at the Estonian Academy of Arts in 2005 and later held the position of associate professor in the Department of Painting from 2017 to 2023. She also obtained an MFA from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2009. Her selection came after an open call from the Estonian Centre for Contemporary Art, with a jury that included notable figures such as Chus Martínez and Hendrik Folkerts, who commended her work for its 'maturity and impact.'
Key facts
- Merike Estna will represent Estonia at the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026.
- The Biennale opens in April 2026.
- Estna is based between Tallinn and Mexico City.
- Her practice uses craft techniques not historically recognized in painting.
- She studied at the Estonian Academy of Arts (2005) and Goldsmiths, University of London (2009).
- She was an associate professor at the Estonian Academy of Arts from 2017 to 2023.
- The selection was made by an open call from the Estonian Centre for Contemporary Art.
- The jury included Chus Martínez, Hendrik Folkerts, Lolita Jablonskienė, Anu Allas, Maria-Kristiina Soomre, and Maria Arusoo.
Entities
Artists
- Merike Estna
Institutions
- Estonian Centre for Contemporary Art
- Estonian Academy of Arts
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW
- Moderna Museet
- National Gallery of Art, Vilnius
- Estonian Ministry of Culture
Locations
- Estonia
- Venice
- Italy
- Tallinn
- Mexico City
- Stockholm
- Sweden
- Vilnius
- Lithuania
- Switzerland