Miet Warlop, the artist representing Belgium at the 61st Venice Biennale (2026), discusses her plans for the Belgian Pavilion in the Giardini in an interview with ArtReview. Her installation, inspired by the Belgian motto 'L'union fait la force' ('unity makes strength'), aims to create a space between a workspace, exhibition, and performance that brings people together in introspection. She cites time spent with Venice's artistic communities, including students at the Accademia, as influential, and notes that her work engages with the Biennale's theme 'In Minor Keys' by incorporating minor-key music to evoke nuanced, introspective emotions.
This interview matters because it offers a direct, personal perspective from a national pavilion artist ahead of one of the world's most prestigious art events, the Venice Biennale. Warlop's reflections on the role of national pavilions amid rising nationalism, her emphasis on Belgium's support for artistic freedom, and her interpretation of the Biennale's theme provide insight into how contemporary artists navigate national representation and collective dialogue. The piece also highlights the ongoing relevance of the Biennale as a platform for cross-cultural exchange.