Il meglio e il peggio che abbiamo visto alla Biennale d’Arte di Venezia 2026. Top e flop di Artribune
The 61st Venice Biennale, titled "In Minor Keys" and directed by Koyo Kouoh, opened amid significant turmoil: the death of a newly appointed curator, diplomatic tensions over the presence of Russia and Israel, political protests, and the unprecedented collective resignation of the jury, which led to the Golden Lions being awarded by public vote for the first time. Despite this chaotic backdrop, the exhibition—featuring a record 100 national pavilions—has been widely praised for avoiding moralistic pedagogy and instead embracing visual seduction, formal quality, and sensory joy while addressing themes of identity, memory, colonialism, ecological crisis, and violence. The article highlights top and flop moments from the opening week, including strong showings by Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco and a standout exhibition at Fondazione Prada.
This edition matters because it demonstrates that a major international art exhibition can thrive even under extreme institutional and political pressure, redefining how biennials engage with contentious global issues. The shift to a public-vote award system and the record number of national participations signal a potential evolution in the governance and audience engagement of large-scale art events. The article's focus on specific successes and failures also provides a critical barometer for the current state of curatorial practice and the art market's response to politically charged art, making it a key reference for understanding the 2026 Venice Biennale's cultural impact.