Timor-Leste selects three artists for 2026 Venice Biennale pavilion
In 2026, three artists from Timor-Leste—Veronica Pereira Maia, Etson Caminha, and Juventino Madeira—will showcase their work at the 61st Venice Biennale, marking the nation’s second participation. Veronica Pereira Maia, born in 1930, is a conceptual artist inspired by traditional tais weaving; she sought refuge in Lisbon and later in Darwin following the Indonesian invasion in 1975. Etson Caminha, born in 1984, merges traditional music with modern technology to address social issues and the history of Timor-Leste, founding NOISE Timor and co-establishing the LANTAVA festival. Juventino Madeira, born in 1994, is a self-taught artist known for his immersive installations. Curator Loredana Pazzini-Paracciani praised their collective commitment to storytelling. The Biennale is scheduled from May 9 to November 22, 2026.
Key facts
- Timor-Leste will participate in the 2026 Venice Biennale for the second time.
- Three artists—Veronica Pereira Maia, Etson Caminha, and Juventino Madeira—will represent Timor-Leste.
- Veronica Pereira Maia (b. 1930) is a conceptual artist based in Darwin, Australia, who uses traditional tais weaving.
- Etson Caminha (b. 1984) is a sound and performance artist who founded NOISE Timor and co-founded the LANTAVA festival.
- Juventino Madeira (b. 1994) creates immersive, site-specific installations using projection mapping and multiple disciplines.
- Curator Loredana Pazzini-Paracciani stated the artists address sociopolitical issues and Timor-Leste's cultural identity.
- The exhibition will explore Timor-Leste's ancient language systems.
- The 61st Venice Biennale takes place from May 9 to November 22, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Veronica Pereira Maia
- Etson Caminha
- Juventino Madeira
- Maria Madeira
- Loredana Pazzini-Paracciani
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- NOISE Timor
- LANTAVA
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Timor-Leste
- East Timor
- Venice
- Italy
- Lisbon
- Portugal
- Darwin
- Australia
- Lospalos