Overview of the 61st International Art Exhibition

The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, titled In Minor Keys, will run from May 9 to November 22, 2026, across the Giardini, Arsenale, and multiple locations throughout Venice. The pre-opening is scheduled for May 6–8, followed by the official inauguration and awards ceremony on May 9.

Curated by Koyo Kouoh, the exhibition stands as both a major international cultural event and a deeply considered curatorial statement. Following Kouoh’s passing in May 2025, the Biennale chose to realize her project in full, preserving the intellectual and artistic vision she had already meticulously developed.

A Curatorial Vision Rooted in Connection

In Minor Keys reflects Kouoh’s distinctive approach to curating—one grounded in relationships, intuition, and a global dialogue between artistic practices. Before her passing, she had defined the exhibition’s conceptual framework, selected artists and works, shaped its scenography, and established its visual identity.

The project was further developed by her international team, including Gabe Beckhurst Feijoo, Marie Hélène Pereira, Rasha Salti, Siddhartha Mitter, and Rory Tsapayi. Their collaborative work, notably shaped during a key gathering at RAW Material Company in Dakar, reflects a methodology based on shared authorship and collective intelligence.

Rather than organizing the exhibition into rigid sections, Kouoh envisioned a fluid structure guided by “undercurrent” ideas—motifs that emerge organically across works and spaces.

Artistic Direction: Motifs and Themes

At the heart of In Minor Keys lies a series of conceptual threads that shape the visitor experience. The exhibition brings together 111 participants from across global geographies, selected not by region but through resonance, affinity, and dialogue between practices.

The concept of “Shrines” pays tribute to two influential figures: Issa Samb and Beverly Buchanan. These spaces go beyond retrospective display, positioning art as a living, generative force.

Another key motif is the “Procession,” inspired by Afro-Atlantic traditions and carnival cultures. Here, audiences are invited to engage actively, dissolving boundaries between observer and participant while challenging historical narratives and institutional frameworks.

“Schools” emerge as dynamic ecosystems of knowledge—artist-led spaces rooted in local contexts yet connected globally. These platforms emphasize autonomy, shared learning, and the social responsibility of art.

Themes of rest and contemplation also play a crucial role. Through installations that evoke courtyards, gardens, and studios, the exhibition encourages visitors to slow down, fostering reflection and sensory engagement in contrast to the fast-paced consumption of art.

Literary and Cultural Influences

Kouoh’s vision is enriched by literary references that echo throughout the exhibition. Works such as Beloved by Toni Morrison and One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez inform its emotional and conceptual landscape. Their exploration of memory, temporality, and magical realism resonates with the exhibition’s exploration of thresholds between worlds.

Exhibition Design and Spatial Experience

The scenography, developed by Wolff Architects, emphasizes transformation through spatial transitions. Indigo banners mark thresholds within the Giardini and Arsenale, guiding visitors through shifting atmospheres and states of perception.

This architectural approach reflects Kouoh’s interest in creating immersive environments where each artwork exists within a constellation rather than isolation, enhancing both individual and collective meaning.

Performance and Multisensory Engagement

Performance is central to the exhibition, positioning the body as a site of memory, knowledge, and resistance. A notable highlight is a poetic procession in the Giardini, inspired by Kouoh’s 1999 Poetry Caravan from Dakar to Timbuktu. This event transforms the exhibition into a living, evolving space where storytelling and collective voice take precedence.

Multisensory installations further deepen engagement, inviting visitors into states of rêverie and introspection, aligning with the exhibition’s emphasis on emotional and spiritual resonance.

Special Projects and Expanded Platforms

Beyond the main venues, In Minor Keys extends into additional spaces such as Forte Marghera, where artists like Temitayo Ogunbiyi, Uriel Orlow, and Fabrice Aragno present site-specific works encouraging interaction and reflection.

At the Arsenale, the Applied Arts Pavilion features Gala Porras-Kim in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum, exploring the complexities of cultural preservation and institutional narratives.

Sustainability and Educational Commitment

La Biennale di Venezia continues its commitment to sustainability, aiming to reduce environmental impact through renewable energy, material reuse, and optimized logistics. The institution is also advancing educational initiatives, offering workshops, guided tours, and academic programs designed to engage diverse audiences—from students to professionals.

The Biennale Sessions program further supports universities and research institutions, facilitating immersive, multi-day educational experiences.

La Biennale di Venezia
Venice (Giardini e Arsenale) May 9 – November 22, 2026
Pre-opening May 6, 7 and 8
www.labiennale.org