The Venice Biennale 2026 opened its preview week with a mix of politics, protest, and provocative art, despite curator Koyo Kouoh's call for calm. This year, 99 countries participate, including first-timers Somalia and Qatar. The event was overshadowed by Kouoh's death from liver cancer just over a year ago, leaving her team to execute her vision for the main show, 'In Minor Keys.'
Female Nudity Everywhere
From Austria's naked speedboat riders to Denmark's porn stars highlighting declining sperm counts, and Richard Prince's 'Girlfriends' from biker magazines, female nudity was a recurring theme. Femen activists joined Pussy Riot in topless protests, questioning the absence of male nudity.
Russia's Controversial Presence
Russia's first return since the Ukraine war sparked protests. Pussy Riot performed 'Disobey' outside the Russian pavilion, forcing its temporary closure. The UK boycotted, with a government minister declining to attend, stating strong opposition to Russia's participation.
Terrible Art Avoiding 'Woke' Themes
The US pavilion featured Alma Allen's 'not yet titled' sculptures, criticized as devoid of meaning, a stark contrast to the vibrant 2024 pavilion by Jeffrey Gibson.
Maritime Themes Dominate
Austria's 'SeaWorld Venice' by Florentina Holzinger drew crowds with jetskis and submerged performers. Israel, Uzbekistan, and Canada also used water motifs.
Smelly Art Trends
Belarus recreated the smell of a freshly dug grave, Syria used perfumes in a destroyed tomb tower, and Luxembourg's 'La Merde' featured fecal themes. Austria included urine and sewage.
Off-Site Video Standouts
While the main show lacked tech and video art, off-site works like 'Canicula' at Fondazione In Between Art Film and Gabrielle Goliath's 'Elegy' impressed. Arthur Jafa's retrospective at Prada Foundation included his iconic 'Love is the Message.'
Absence of Koyo Kouoh
The group show felt incomplete without Kouoh's full vision, though her team followed her instructions. The exhibition had an air of unfinished business.
