The Venice Biennale's main exhibition, curated by the late Koyo Kouoh, originally included 111 artists when announced in February, but now lists only 110. ARTnews reveals that the removed artist is Bodys Isek Kingelez, a Congolese sculptor known for his colorful cardboard "extreme maquettes" of fantastical cities. A Biennale spokesperson stated that works initially considered for Kingelez were ultimately unavailable. Kingelez, who died in 2015, was to be one of the few deceased artists in the show, alongside figures like Marcel Duchamp and Issa Samb.
This matters because it highlights the logistical challenges and curatorial adjustments that can occur even in major international exhibitions like the Venice Biennale, especially when an exhibition is realized posthumously after the curator's death. Kingelez's removal also underscores the fragility of including deceased artists in contemporary shows, where loan availability can be unpredictable. The story offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the planning of one of the art world's most prestigious events, revealing how even established artists can be dropped from high-profile lineups.