The Venice Biennale Artist List Is Out
Artnet News
by Jo Lawson-TancredFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Venice Biennale has unveiled its 61st edition artist list for the main exhibition, *In Minor Keys*, curated by the late Koyo Kouoh’s team. This year’s selection includes 111 artists and collectives, with a notable shift toward grassroots organizations as part of Kouoh’s “schools” motif. These include Denniston Hill in New York, Raw Material Company in Dakar, and GAS Foundation in Lagos. The exhibition, themed around subtler emotional frequencies, emphasizes art’s role in fostering connection and reimagining traditional structures through motifs like shrines, rest, procession, and schools.
Kouoh’s vision centers on creating immersive spaces for reflection and collaboration, inspired by music and poetry. The exhibition features expansive displays dedicated to influential figures such as Senegalese artist Issa Samb and American artist Beverly Buchanan. Processional elements, drawing from Afro-Atlantic carnivals, include works by Alvaro Barrington, Nick Cave, and Ebony G. Patterson, while installations by Kader Attia, Laurie Anderson, and Pauline Oliveros provide moments for contemplation. The Biennale also marks the reinstatement of Lebanese artist Khaled Sabsabi after his exclusion as Australia’s representative last year.
The inclusion of artist-led organizations underscores Kouoh’s emphasis on community-driven art ecosystems. These groups are celebrated for their role in fostering creative exchange and serving as “havens of learning.” The exhibition’s focus on rest and reflection, paired with larger installations, encourages viewers to engage with art on a deeper emotional level. This approach aligns with Kouoh’s broader mission to highlight generative and collaborative practices that emphasize humanity’s shared experiences.
The 61st Venice Biennale, set to open in May, promises to be a transformative exploration of art’s power to connect, inspire, and heal. By prioritizing underrepresented voices and grassroots initiatives, the exhibition not only honors Kouoh’s legacy but also reimagines the Biennale as a space for radical reconnection and collective reflection. For art enthusiasts, this edition offers a unique opportunity to experience works that challenge conventional narratives and celebrate the transformative potential of artistic collaboration.
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Originally published on Artnet News on 2/25/2026