Venice Biennale 2026: 10 Surprising Artists Selected Under Koyo Kouoh's Posthumous Theme

The 61st Venice Biennale, running from May 9 to November 22, 2026, proceeds under the theme 'In Minor Keys' conceived by the late curator Koyo Kouoh, who died in May 2025. Her team realized the project, featuring 111 artists from all continents. The Biennale highlights minority expressions and global connections. Notable pavilions include: Nabil Nahas (Lebanon) with a 26-panel cosmic installation; Lubaina Himid (UK) with theatrical paintings and a sound piece by Magda Stawarska; Miet Warlop (Belgium) with a multidisciplinary performance 'It Never SSST'; Oriol Vilanova (Spain) with an archive of vintage postcards; Yto Barrada (France) with textile works referencing Saturn and melancholy; Florentina Holzinger (Austria) with water-themed performances across Venice; Chiara Camoni (Italy) with ceramic figures and collaborative works; Alma Allen (USA) with biomorphic stone sculptures, selected by a jury under the Trump administration; Bogna Burska and Daniel Kotowski (Poland) with an audiovisual installation 'Liquid Tongues' using whale songs and sign language; and Amina Agueznay (Morocco) with a participatory textile installation 'Asǝṭṭa' at the Arsenale. First-time participants include Somalia with Ayan Farah and Peru with indigenous artist Sara Flores (Shipibo-Konibo). French artists Kader Attia, Florence Lazar, and Tabita Rezaire are among the invited.