From Minor Keys to Uproar: The Crisis of the Venice Biennale

DE LAS MINOR KEYS AL ESTRUENDO: LA CRISIS DE LA BIENAL DE VENECIA

The 61st Venice Biennale is engulfed in a structural crisis, marked by geopolitical tensions over the inclusion of Russia (amid its invasion of Ukraine) and Israel (amid the Gaza genocide). The Biennale Foundation, led by Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, defended their participation on legalistic grounds, sparking outrage from over 200 artists, curators, and cultural workers who demanded Israel's exclusion, aligning with Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA). The international jury, chaired by Solange Farkas and including Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi, resigned collectively on April 30 after deciding not to award prizes to countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court arrest warrants. This led to the cancellation of the traditional Golden and Silver Lions, replaced by audience-voted "Visitor Lions," with awards deferred until November. The European Commission suspended a €2 million subsidy over Russia's participation, and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli notably skipped the May 9 opening.

Bard President Leon Botstein (Finally) Resigns, Following Epstein Revelations

Leon Botstein, president of Bard College since 1975, announced his retirement on Friday following the release of an independent report by the law firm WilmerHale, commissioned by Bard's board of trustees. The report found that Botstein had not been "fully accurate" in his public accounts of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, revealing visits to Epstein's private island, personal messages, a joint watch purchase worth $56,000, and invitations to campus. While no illegal conduct was identified, the report raised serious concerns about Botstein's leadership and judgment. Botstein will step down on June 30 but remain at Bard as a professor.

Henrike Naumanns langer Weg in den deutschen Pavillon

Henrike Naumann, a German artist who recently passed away, is being honored with a posthumous exhibition at the German Pavilion during the Venice Biennale. Her work, which explores recent German history, state art, and the absence of East German art in the pavilion, finds its ultimate context in this historically charged Nazi-era building.

Margaret Whyte on Representing Uruguay at the 61st Venice Biennale

Margaret Whyte, an artist from Uruguay, is set to represent her country at the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026, with her pavilion located in the Giardini. In an interview with ArtReview, Whyte discusses her exhibition, which builds on her earlier show "Tiempo de Escuchar" at the National Museum of Visual Arts in Uruguay, curated by Patricia Bentancur. Her work is inspired by Nassim N. Taleb's book "Antifragile" (2012), exploring themes of chaos, uncertainty, and resilience. She sees her antifragile approach as complementary to the Biennale's theme, "In Minor Keys," curated by Koyo Kouoh, emphasizing emotional depth, silence, and healing.

The Met Makes a Statement With 9 New Mannequin Bodies

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has introduced nine new mannequin bodies for its costume displays, replacing older models to better showcase fashion exhibitions. The new mannequins feature more diverse and realistic body shapes, including different skin tones and poses, aiming to modernize the museum's presentation of historical and contemporary garments.

Art Formes Presents A multi-disciplinary group exhibition curated by Jean Dreyer

Art Formes presents a multi-disciplinary group exhibition curated by Jean Dreyer at The Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town, running from 16 April to 11 June 2026. The show features 21 artists including Maja Marx, Katherine Glenday, Gerhard Marx, and others, with works that explore themes of soil, text, and interconnection through painting, ceramics, and sculpture. The exhibition emphasizes dialogue between works and the gallery's architecture, with a press release highlighting the gallery's focus on contemporary African sculpture.

Natasha Tontey: ‘Dystopia Is Already Here’

Indonesian artist Natasha Tontey is the subject of an interview discussing her film series *Macho Mystic Meltdown*, which debuted at the Venice Biennale. The series includes chapters *Oikoumenē* (2025), *Monster, She Wrote* (2026), and *The Phantom Combatants* (2026), exploring Minahasan cosmology, the Permesta rebellion, and the mythologized figure of female combatant Len Karamoy. Tontey uses speculative fabulation, collage, and unstable bodily forms to challenge patriarchal norms and official histories.

See yourself within Andy Warhol's 'On Repeat' at Zimmerli Art Museum

The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University's College Avenue campus is hosting 'Andy Warhol: On Repeat,' an exhibition running through July 31st. The show features Warhol's Polaroids, Polacolor prints, 'Crosses' series (1982), and 'Screen Tests'—silent, looping film portraits that place visitors in an immersive, repetitive visual environment. An interactive element allows guests to sit before a camera and become part of the artwork, echoing Warhol's exploration of identity under observation.

Les États-Unis restituent près de 300 biens culturels à l’Italie

Italy presented 337 cultural artifacts repatriated from the United States at the Caserma "La Marmora" in Rome, following operations between December 2025 and April 2026. The objects span from the 5th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, including Roman sculptures, bronze works, pottery, jewelry, coins, and architectural fragments. Among the notable pieces is a marble head attributed to Alexander the Great, stolen from a Roman museum in 1960, and a bronze sculpture looted from Herculaneum. The recovery involved the Manhattan District Attorney's office, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and Christie's New York, with 221 items seized through the DA's collaboration and 116 returned in April.

Ministry of Culture inspectors present report on Biennale: Russia pavilion will remain closed

Gli ispettori del Ministero della Cultura in Biennale presentano relazione: il padiglione Russia resterà chiuso

Italian Ministry of Culture inspectors have submitted a report to the Prime Minister's office regarding Russia's participation in the 2026 Venice Art Biennale. The report concludes that Russia did not receive a formal invitation from the Biennale Foundation to participate, nor did it sign the participation agreement—a situation shared by other countries with permanent pavilions. While Russia submitted a project and appointed a commissioner, its pavilion will remain closed to the public due to EU sanctions, though a private vernissage may proceed. The report finds no serious violations that would cancel Russia's participation, but notes critical issues that warranted more caution. The international jury resigned en masse after announcing it would not consider countries whose leaders are accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, including Russia and Israel, and after an Israeli artist threatened a discrimination lawsuit.

"Our regime does not represent our culture". Interview on the Belarusian project during the Venice Biennale

“Il nostro regime non rappresenta la nostra cultura”. Intervista sul progetto bielorusso durante la Biennale di Venezia

The article is an interview with Daniella Kaliada, curator of the Belarusian project "Official. Unofficial." presented at the Venice Biennale in the church of San Giovanni Evangelista. Organized by the Belarus Free Theatre, an independent underground group, the exhibition features site-specific paintings by Sergey Grinevich, a sound installation by Olga Podgayskaya, and large-scale sculptures by Vladimir Tsesler. The project includes a sphere of banned books crushed by a bulldozer, testimonies of recently released political prisoners, and sculptures made from prison bars, all addressing censorship and political trauma without direct representation of suffering.

‘Before Common Era’: artist Jamz Jamezon exhibits in Silves

Belgian artist Jamz Jamezon presents 'Before Common Era' at Espaço JALI in Silves, Portugal, running until May 24. The exhibition features canvas paintings, wooden sculptures from salvaged materials, and reclaimed cardboard works, alongside a film documenting his murals. Jamezon, who began his career in graffiti in Ghent, now creates large-scale public murals in hospitals, schools, and care centers, aiming to bring calm and fantasy to intense environments. The venue, a former cork factory transformed by Marion Buz into a cultural center, also hosts a cork oak tree mural painted by the artist in its garden.

Local artists wanted for CK Queer Portraits art exhibit

Thames Art Gallery in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, is organizing an exhibition titled "Queer Portraits" that celebrates the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The gallery is now accepting submissions from artists, with entries required to show a meaningful connection to Chatham-Kent, be created from the perspective of or in allyship with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and portray a specific person or their defining characteristics. A jury will review submissions, which are due by 4 p.m. on May 29, with up to two pieces per artist accepted across various media.

Ullger reflects on ‘quite special’ Berlin exhibition with Cane-Yo collective

Artist Karl Ullger recently participated in the group exhibition "Running with Scissors" at Anders Galerie in Berlin, organized by the global artist collective Cane-Yo. The show featured over 40 artists, including five invited Berlin artists, and displayed some 200 artworks. Ullger described the experience as "quite special," highlighting the energy of the packed opening and the direct engagement with visitors. He noted standout works by Austrian artist Theo Ritzinger, Chilean artist Diego Palacios, and Italian artist Yasmine Elgamal, as well as the opportunity to reconnect with fellow artists Alf Sims, Alex May, Shanice Farrugia, and Nicole Debono.

Asian-American artists shine at US fair amid ongoing anti-immigrant rhetoric

At the San Francisco Art Fair in April, held at Fort Mason Centre’s Festival Pavilion, organizers, curators, and gallerists centered Asian-American and Pacific Islander voices through a curated group exhibition titled “Da Da Daam” and a pop-up design store featuring over 70 Asian diaspora artists and brands. The fair’s 14th edition, directed by Kelly Freeman, responded to ongoing anti-immigrant rhetoric in the US by celebrating the strength of the immigrant community in a city where nearly 35% of the population identifies as Asian.

Investigators search again for stolen Celtic gold treasure

Ermittler suchen erneut nach gestohlenem Kelten-Goldschatz

More than three years after the theft of a Celtic gold treasure from the Kelten Römer Museum in Manching, Bavaria, investigators are conducting a new search for the missing loot. Four perpetrators were arrested and sentenced to long prison terms in July 2025, but only a small portion of the stolen gold coins was recovered. Now, based on new intelligence, Bavarian state police are searching the property of the main suspect and his partner in Plate, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, using X-ray and radar technology. They believe 411 gold coins and a gold casting ingot—about three kilograms of gold—are professionally hidden there, along with cash from other burglaries. The suspect's partner is under investigation for money laundering for allegedly offering to help sell the gold.

Resignation of the Venice Biennale Jury

Démission du jury de la Biennale de Venise

The entire jury of the Venice Biennale has resigned. The mass resignation follows internal disputes over the selection process for the next edition's artistic director, with jurors citing a lack of transparency and interference from the Biennale's board.

MARGARET WHYTE TURNS FRAGILITY INTO LANGUAGE AT THE 2026 VENICE BIENNALE

The Uruguay Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale presents "ANTIFRAGIL," a new installation by artist Margaret Whyte, curated by Patricia Bentancur. The work combines textiles with obsolete technological objects such as old machines, motorcycle helmets, and waste fragments, embodying the concept of antifragility developed by Nassim Taleb—systems that grow stronger through disorder and instability. Whyte's practice transforms fragility and vulnerability into poetic resistance, challenging traditional hierarchies between craft and contemporary art.

Coral Springs to Celebrate Haitian Heritage with Art Exhibit, Opening Reception

The Coral Springs Museum of Art will host a free opening reception on Thursday, May 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. for its Haitian Heritage Exhibit, featuring the debut of “Continuum: Heritage & Expression,” the inaugural exhibition of the Haitian Women Fine Art Collective (HAWFA). The event will include remarks from city leaders and artists, a tribute to Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer, light bites, beverages for purchase, and a commemorative ribbon art activity. The exhibition will be on view in the Center for the Arts Lobby Hall Gallery through May 29.

Ukrainian artist unveils Tender Light exhibition in Cheb church

Ukrainian artist and poet Oksana Zayets has opened a solo exhibition titled "Tender Light" in the historic Church of St. Nicholas and St. Elizabeth in Cheb, Czech Republic. The show features 40 oil landscapes created between 2022 and the present, with the most recent painting completed about a month ago. The exhibition runs until June 21 and marks the eighth exhibition by a Ukrainian artist in the Czech Republic.

Jury or Public? The Biennale Is Not an Algorithm, But Neither Is It a Liturgy

Giuria o pubblico? La Biennale non è un algoritmo, ma neppure una liturgia

The article critically examines the proposal for "Visitor Lions" (Leoni dei Visitatori) at the Venice Biennale, arguing that the idea is a fragile, quick-fix response to a deeper crisis. It questions whether replacing expert juries with public voting would truly improve the selection process, noting that both systems have significant flaws: juries are not necessarily neutral, often rushed and filtered, while public voting risks favoring accessible, easily consumable works and reinforcing existing hierarchies.

Indy airport exhibit features artists with disabilities

A new exhibition opened April 10 at the Indianapolis International Airport’s Civic Plaza, featuring 92 works by 90 Hoosier artists with developmental disabilities. The show was organized by the Indianapolis Airport Authority in partnership with the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc. (INARF) and Ability Indiana, with artists from 12 INARF member organizations contributing pieces in a variety of mediums. The airport’s arts and culture program, which rotates permanent and temporary collections, has hosted this annual showcase for several years, with some artists returning each year with new work.

Art exhibition in Idlib brings together Syrian artists under unity theme

An art exhibition titled “When the Guns Fall Silent” opened in Idlib, Syria, at the National Museum hall, organized by the Syrian Artists Union. The four-day show features around 70 works by both professional and emerging artists from across Syria, with the first two days dedicated to established painters and the final two to emerging talent. Participants include Mai Halawani from Homs and Doaa Abboud from Tartous, who see the event as a rare chance to reconnect with the artistic community after years of isolation.

The Foreign Ministry presented art prints of stolen paintings from the Kherson Art Museum

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has opened an exhibition titled "Return of Kherson’s Memory. Stolen Art Preserved in Museum Artprints," featuring 30 high-quality reproductions of masterpieces stolen by Russian forces from the Kherson Regional Art Museum named after Oleksii Shovkunenko in autumn 2022. The stolen works include pieces by artists Mykola Pymonenko, Ivan Aivazovsky, and Viktor Zaretsky, among over 10,000 items illegally removed from the museum just before Kherson’s de-occupation. The exhibition was organized by the museum team and the art platform Vivid Fusion.