Yto Barrada's 'Comme Saturne' for French Pavilion at 2026 Venice Biennale
Yto Barrada (born 1971) presents 'Comme Saturne' at the French Pavilion of the 61st Venice Biennale, curated by Myriam Ben Salah. The exhibition features textile works, natural dye studies, and installations exploring themes of craft transmission, plant and human migration, postcolonial history, and Enlightenment imperialism. Highlights include a room with 70 pieces forming a symmetrical frieze dedicated to red natural dye, a black monochrome patchwork of 18 fabric tones, and a large abstract tapestry referencing machine-breaking textile artisans. The pavilion, recently restored by the Institut français, includes three cabinets addressing Barrada's recurring themes. Barrada is the fifth woman to represent France at the Biennale. The Biennale runs from May 9 to November 22, 2026.
Key facts
- Yto Barrada represents France at the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026.
- The exhibition is titled 'Comme Saturne' and curated by Myriam Ben Salah.
- The French Pavilion was recently restored by the Institut français.
- Barrada is the fifth woman to represent France at the Venice Biennale.
- The exhibition includes 70 pieces forming a symmetrical frieze on red natural dye.
- A black monochrome patchwork combines 18 fabric tones.
- A large abstract tapestry references machine-breaking textile artisans.
- The Biennale runs from May 9 to November 22, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Yto Barrada
- Myriam Ben Salah
- Annette Messager
- Sophie Calle
- Laure Prouvost
- Zineb Sedira
- Saadet Türköz
- Walid Ben Selim
- Marie-Marguerite Cano
- Jacques Demy
- Eva Nguyen Binh
Institutions
- French Pavilion
- Institut français
- Venice Biennale
- Beaux Arts Magazine
- Pace Gallery
- Sfeir-Semler Gallery
- JRP|Editions
- OuLiPo
- Biennial Foundation
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Tangier
- Morocco
- Château de Gambais
- France