The Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition has announced the inclusion of 111 artists, duos, and collectives for the posthumous exhibition titled In Minor Keys, curated by the late Cameroonian visionary Koyo Kouoh. This significant event is set to open on May 9, following a livestreamed presentation today, February 25, where Kouoh's team and Biennale staff revealed the selected participants.
This year's exhibition features a diverse array of talents from various regions, including the United States, Palestine, Australia, Peru, South Africa, and Zambia, showcasing a rich tapestry of global artistic expression.
Notably, the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement will not be awarded this year, as Kouoh was unable to finalize her selections prior to her passing. Among the prominent figures participating is Khaled Sabsabi, whose work gained international attention amid a controversy related to his role as Australia's official pavilion artist last year.
Other notable artists include Kenyan Wangechi Mutu, American filmmaker Cauleen Smith, Colombian-British Carolina Caycedo, Algerian-French Kadet Attia, Palestinian Mohammed Joha, and Peruvian Celia Vásquez Yui, among others. A comprehensive list of the featured artists is available.
Kouoh, who passed away last May at the age of 57 after a cancer diagnosis, was poised to be the first African woman to lead the Biennale. In her absence, the Venice Biennale has committed to advancing In Minor Keys with the support of a team she carefully selected, including advisors Gabe Beckhurst Feijoo, Marie Hélène Pereira, and Rasha Salti, alongside Siddhartha Mitter as editor-in-chief of the catalogue.
During the announcement, Feijoo emphasized the importance of artists as essential interpreters of societal and emotional landscapes, stating, "The 61st edition of the Biennale Arte is grounded in a deep belief in artists as the vital interpreters of the social and psychic condition and catalysts of new relations and possibilities."
Before her untimely passing, Kouoh made significant strides in shaping the exhibition, including its title and concept. Rasha Salti elaborated on the theme, explaining that the "minor keys" symbolize a departure from conventional grandiosity, inviting audiences to engage with quieter, more introspective tones that evoke emotions and foster deeper connections.
