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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
TL;DR
- Female nudity was a prominent theme across several pavilions.
- Protests occurred regarding the inclusion of Russia and Israel, leading to pavilion closures.
- Attempts to avoid 'woke' art resulted in perceived uninspired works.
- Maritime themes and water were utilized in pavilions for Israel, Uzbekistan, and Canada.
- Olfactory art, including scents described as a 'freshly dug grave' and onion stock, featured in various pavilions.
- Significant video works were found off-site, with many believing they would have enhanced the main exhibition.
- The absence of curator Koyo Kouoh, who died during the preparation, left an air of unfinished vision.