Saudi Arabia's 'A Necessary Fiction' Explores Cartography as Ideology at Venice Biennale

From 6 May to 22 November 2026, the Saudi Ministry of Culture will showcase 'A Necessary Fiction: Maps, Art, and Models of Our World' at Abbazia di San Gregorio in Venice, coinciding with the 61st Venice Biennale. Curated by Sara Almutlaq and Aurora Fonda, with support from associate curators Zaira Carrer and Amina Diab, the exhibition features historical items such as 13th-century maps, 1st-century CE incense burners, and 18th-century manuscripts alongside contemporary pieces from more than a dozen artists. It explores the notion that cartography is influenced by myth, desire, and power. Notable contributors include Nasser Al Salem, Yoko Ono, and Trevor Paglen. Additionally, a novella by Tod Wodicka, transformed into a sound installation by Abdullah Miniawy, broadens the exhibition's scope.