Dietro ogni grande artista… c’è una grande galleria. Un punto sulla Biennale Arte 2026
The 61st Venice Biennale, titled "In Minor Keys" (May 9 – November 22, 2026), features over 90% living artists, a significant shift from recent editions focused on historical rediscoveries. Curated by the late Koyo Kouoh (1967–2025), the first African woman to lead the Biennale, the exhibition includes 111 artists, with a majority of women (64 vs. 48 men) and the highest percentage of African-born artists ever (20%). Notable participants include Nick Cave, Carsten Höller, Alfredo Jaar, and Kader Attia, with a focus on mid-career and established figures rather than emerging or deceased artists.
This edition matters because it re-centers the Biennale on contemporary practice and living artists, reflecting a deliberate curatorial shift toward present-day urgency. The high representation of African artists and gender balance marks a milestone for global inclusivity in the art world. Additionally, the article highlights the intertwined relationship between the Biennale and the art market, noting the strong presence of mega-galleries like Perrotin, which has ten projects in Venice, including Alma Allen representing the U.S. Pavilion. This underscores how institutional prestige and commercial interests continue to shape the world's most important contemporary art event.