The Vatican has unveiled the roster for its Pavilion of the Holy See at the 2026 Venice Biennale, featuring a high-profile multidisciplinary lineup. Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and Ben Vickers, the exhibition titled “The Ear is the Eye of the Soul” will showcase new works from 24 contributors, including FKA Twigs, Brian Eno, Devonté Hynes, Patti Smith, and Precious Okoyomon. The presentation aims to bridge the gap between contemporary art, music, and spirituality through a diverse array of creative mediums.
This announcement underscores the Vatican's continued effort to engage with the global contemporary art scene following its critically acclaimed 2024 prison-based pavilion. By enlisting a star-studded cast of musicians and avant-garde artists under the guidance of a major institutional figure like Obrist, the Holy See is positioning itself as a significant cultural patron capable of fostering dialogue between religious tradition and cutting-edge secular creativity.