Uzbekistan Names Team for 2026 Venice Biennale Pavilion
The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) has revealed the artistic lineup for its pavilion at the upcoming 61st Venice Biennale, marking Uzbekistan’s third participation in the prestigious event. Titled "The Aural Sea," the exhibit will showcase works from seven artists who explore the environmental challenges facing the Aral Sea region. The exhibition, curated by graduates from the Bukhara Biennial Curatorial School, will run from May 9 to November 22, 2026. Additionally, the showcase will feature literary contributions from Karakalpak writer Allayar Darmenov, as stated by ACDF chair Gayane Umerova, emphasizing the project's ecological focus.
Key facts
- Uzbekistan's third participation in the Venice Biennale
- Pavilion titled 'The Aural Sea'
- Seven artists: Jahongir Bobokulov, Zi Kakhramonova, Aygul Sarsen, Zulfiya Spowart, Xin Liu, A.A.Murakami, Nguyen Phuong Linh
- Curated by inaugural cohort of Bukhara Biennial Curatorial School
- Curators: Sophie Mayuko Arni, Aziza Izamova, Kamila Mukhitdinova, Nico Sun, Thái Hà
- Inspired by writings of Karakalpak author Allayar Darmenov
- Focuses on environmental degradation of the Aral Sea basin
- Exhibition runs May 9 to November 22, 2026
Entities
Artists
- Jahongir Bobokulov
- Zi Kakhramonova
- Aygul Sarsen
- Zulfiya Spowart
- Xin Liu
- A.A.Murakami
- Nguyen Phuong Linh
- Sophie Mayuko Arni
- Aziza Izamova
- Kamila Mukhitdinova
- Nico Sun
- Thái Hà
- Allayar Darmenov
- Gayane Umerova
- Aisha Traub Chan
Institutions
- Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF)
- Bukhara Biennial Curatorial School
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Uzbekistan
- Venice
- Italy
- Central Asia
- Aral Sea
- Karakalpakstan