EDS NOTE: NUDITY - A performer rings a bell with her body at the Austrian pavilion called 'Seaworld Venice' by artist Ei Arakawa-Nash, at the Venice 2026 Biennale Art, in Venice, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.
Geopolitical tensions have spilled over into the Venice Biennale contemporary art exhibition. This year's edition is chaotic and contested, with no Golden Lions awarded after the jury quit in protest of Israel’s and Russia’s participation. Visitors will vote for the best national pavilion and best participant in the main show, “In Minor Keys,” with winners announced Nov. 22. Highlights include Koyo Kouoh’s focus on minority perspectives, Lubaina Himid’s exploration of life as a newcomer, the Vatican’s Mystic Garden offering spiritual respite, and Austria’s provocative performance art by Florentina Holzinger.