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EXPLAINED: Koyo kouoh | Rare Historical Photos

The grandiose and oldest international art event, La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale), opened its 61st edition under the theme "In Minor Keys" by artistic director Koyo Kouoh. The events that built up to the opening last month were far from minor due to various protests that trumpeted loud ripple…

Bangkok Post

Baby dolls, whale songs and swimming in urine: The Venice Biennale’s must-see national pavilions

The national pavilions that chime with Kouoh’s core values of nurture, intimacy and reflection are those that quietly steal this year’s spotlight.

Euronews

This year’s Venice Biennale marks a major shift in European cultural politics

I was texting a museum director friend in Asia recently. We were discussing whether a trip to this year’s “artworld Olympics”, the Venice Biennale, justified the carbon release.

The Conversation

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OPINION - The posturing over the inclusion of Russia and Israel is a betrayal of Venice’s vision

It feels wrong to cancel artists because you disapprove of what their countries are up to, writes Melanie McDonagh

Evening Standard

Female nudity and art that stinks: key takeaways from Venice Biennale 2026

Despite a call for calm, a combustible mix of politics and protest punctuated the preview week across the pavilions

The Guardian - UK

Khaled Sabsabi is finally at the Venice Biennale: ‘Being here is already a win’

Australia’s representative at the world’s biggest art show has not one but two works on show – a major achievement and happy ending to a year of controversy and protest

The Guardian - AU

Dark clouds, protests and resignations dampen start of 61st Venice Biennale

Russian pavilion to stay closed as outcry over Israel’s inclusion also grows – but nesting seagull provides some light relief

The Guardian - UK

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Iran exits Venice Biennale as tensions remains high in Middle East

The Islamic Republic of Iran has withdrawn from the 2026 Venice Biennale just days before the opening exhibition as fears remain high of renewed conflict in the Middle East.

Euronews

Venice Biennale jury ‘will not award artists from countries facing war crimes charges’

Statement, apparently aimed at Russia and Israel, makes clear it is committed to the defence of human rights

The Guardian - UK

In Minor Keys: Venice art biennale reveals all about Koyo Kouoh tribute edition

The 61st Venice Art Biennale has announced its complete list of participating artists. In Minor Keys by Koyo Kouoh will open to the public on Saturday 9 May and run until Sunday 22 November 2026.

Euronews

After a turbulent year, Australia’s Khaled Sabsabi will present two works at the Venice Biennale

The artist, who was controversially revoked and then reinstated by his government, is planning a ‘nurturing experience’ to bring people together

The Guardian - AU

Tove, Frida and Schiaparelli: The 10 unmissable exhibitions and art events of 2026

Next year brings blockbuster shows from the Venice Biennale to a Frida Kahlo retrospective, plus the Middle East's most exciting new art fair.

Euronews

In Reframing Blackness, Alayo Akinkugbe challenges museums to see blackness first

In Reframing Blackness, writer and curator Alayo Akinkugbe explores the way that art history is taught, and the impact this has had on what we see in national museums in western cities. This teaching has often led to the exclusion of blackness from mainstream art spaces. Akinkugbe challenges this by…

The Conversation

Venice Art Biennale to honour late curator Koyo Kouoh with 2026 exhibition ‘In Minor Keys’

Plans for the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia will go ahead as envisioned by the late Cameroonian curator, following her sudden death aged 58 earlier this month.

Euronews

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The Guardian - UK

Koyo Kouoh obituary

Cameroon-born art curator appointed last year as the director of the 2026 Venice Biennale

The Conversation

Koyo Kouoh – tribute to a curator who fiercely promoted African art

The sudden death of the Cameroon-born curator Koyo Kouoh, at the age of 57 and at the height of her career, has shaken the art world. Her passing has left a void in the African arts scene, one which extends far beyond the continent.

The Guardian - UK

Koyo Kouoh, art curator due to lead 2026 Venice Biennale, dies at 57

Groundbreaking Swiss-Cameroonian curator would have been the first African woman to head up the art event

Euronews

Koyo Kouoh, 2026 Venice Art Biennale curator, dies suddenly aged 58

The Swiss-Cameroonian curator Koyo Kouoh has died at the age of 58. She was the first African woman invited to lead the Venice Art Biennale.

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The Independent UK

Koyo Kouoh, 2026 Venice Art Biennale curator, dies suddenly at age 58

Koyo Kouoh, the curator of the 2026 Venice Art Biennale, has died at age 58, her home institution in South Africa said in an Instagram post

International Business Times

Groundbreaking Cameroonian Curator Kouoh Dies: Cape Town Art Museum

Cameroonian curator Koyo Kouoh, the head of the top contemporary art museum in Africa and first African woman appointed to lead the Venice Biennale, has died Saturday, the Zeitz MOCAA museum said.

The Guardian - UK

Koyo Kouoh appointed curator of 2026 Venice Biennale

Swiss-Cameroonian’s nomination wrong-foots those expecting the exhibition to take a nationalistic turn under the right wing Meloni government

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