As the art world gears up for the Venice Biennale this May, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will take center stage with the Carnegie Museum of Art's upcoming 2026 edition of the Carnegie International. This edition marks the largest in the event's history, featuring 61 artists from diverse countries, including the Philippines and Peru, many of whom will unveil new works when the exhibition opens on May 2.
Established in 1896, the Carnegie International holds the title of the oldest biennial-style exhibition in the United States, occurring every four years. Though it may not have the same recognition as the Whitney Biennial, which coincides with this year's event in New York, the Carnegie International plays a crucial role in spotlighting international artists for American audiences.
This year, the exhibition is particularly focused on artists from the Global South. Notable participants include Silät, an all-female collective of Indigenous weavers from Argentina; Sanchayan Ghosh, an Indian performance artist with limited exposure in the U.S.; and Arturo Kameya, a rising Peruvian painter who explores themes of memory and place.
Alongside these emerging talents, audiences will also encounter familiar names such as Turner Prize nominee Jasleen Kaur and filmmaker Wu Tsang. A total of 36 artists will present newly commissioned works under the curatorial direction of Ryan Inouye, Danielle A. Jackson, and Liz Park from the Carnegie Museum. The exhibition is titled "If the word we" and will delve into themes of multiplicity and flux.
The curators emphasize that the concept of "we" represents a complex and diverse perspective, allowing them to navigate life's contradictions while being attuned to their environments. This approach reflects their commitment to creating a space for various artistic expressions.
Eric Crosby, the Carnegie Museums' vice president and director of the Carnegie Museum of Art, highlighted the exhibition's intention to embrace global perspectives in contemporary art. He stated, "This museum is not just looking at one world of contemporary art; it's exploring multiple worlds."
The curatorial team has conducted extensive research across the globe, visiting places like Indonesia, Norway, and Brazil. The exhibition will not only be held at the Carnegie Museum but also at partner venues, enhancing its reach and impact.
Among the exciting installations, American sculptor Torkwase Dyson will showcase a piece at the Kamin Science Center's planetarium, while Kameya and Claudia Martínez Garay will collaborate on an installation at the Mattress Factory. Additionally, playwright Brooke O'Harra will perform at a local YMCA, and the Sogetsu Foundation will present new work at its Pittsburgh headquarters.
The Carnegie International is part of a vibrant year for biennial exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and the upcoming Whitney Biennial. Crosby noted that the focus should be on how these exhibitions interact with one another, fostering a dialogue between different artistic practices.
Importantly, this year's Carnegie International features a distinct artist lineup, with minimal overlap with other biennials. The list of participating artists showcases a rich tapestry of creativity and innovation in contemporary art.
For this exhibition, artists marked with a dagger (†) are presenting newly commissioned projects, while those with an asterisk (*) are contributing to the exhibition publication.
The exhibition design is by Büro Koray Duman (B-KD).