The United States Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia will open on May 6, 2026, featuring a solo presentation titled "Call Me the Breeze" by American artist Alma Allen. Curated by Jeffrey Uslip and commissioned by the American Arts Conservancy with support from the U.S. Department of State and the Guggenheim Foundation, the exhibition transforms the historic Giardini pavilion with sculptures in bronze, walnut burl, and various stones, including Colorado Yule marble used in the Lincoln Memorial.
This presentation matters because the U.S. Pavilion is one of the most closely watched national showcases at the Venice Biennale, the world's premier recurring art exhibition. Allen's work, which merges natural forms with architectural precision, addresses themes of permanence, transformation, and self-realization, offering a contemplative counterpoint to contemporary discourse. The exhibition also highlights ongoing U.S. cultural diplomacy through the State Department's support for international art exchange.