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The Venice Biennale’s ‘In Minor Keys’ exhibition opened at the Arsenale, emphasizing resilience, perseverance, and societal healing amid global crises. Curator Koyo Kouoh’s vision guides the show, now carried forward by her team.
The Venice Biennale’s ‘In Minor Keys’ exhibition opened at the Arsenale on Day 2, showcasing art that emphasizes perseverance and resilience amid global crises. Curated by Koyo Kouoh’s team following her death, the show explores themes of survival, adaptation, and societal healing, making it a significant cultural statement during this international event.
The exhibition features works by artists like Guadalupe Maravilla, Alexa Kumiko Hatanaka, Carolina Caycedo, Wardha Shabbir, Michael Joo, and Vera Tamari, all exploring themes of endurance, nature’s resilience, and societal transformation. Notably, the show includes a poem by Refaat Alareer, who was killed by the Israeli military in Gaza in 2023, emphasizing themes of hope and perseverance. Guadalupe Maravilla’s sculptures confront social and political illnesses, while Hatanaka’s linocuts respond to climate and mental health themes linked to the Ice Age. The curated sections emphasize nature’s perseverance and intergenerational change, with a focus on community-building and institutional support, carried forward by Kouoh’s team after her passing. The exhibition also references historical resilience, including Duchamp’s ‘Boîte-en-valise’ and Walid Raad’s commentary on resourcefulness amid conflict.
Why It Matters
‘In Minor Keys’ is significant because it presents art as a form of societal resilience, emphasizing perseverance and adaptation in the face of global upheavals. The show’s themes resonate with contemporary crises, offering a message of hope and survival. It also highlights the importance of community, institutional support, and cultural memory in fostering resilience, making it a vital cultural moment during the Venice Biennale.
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Background
The Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most prominent art exhibitions, is currently in its 2026 edition. ‘In Minor Keys’ is the only major curated exhibition in memory to focus explicitly on themes of perseverance and societal healing. Curator Koyo Kouoh, known for her emphasis on community and institutional-building, had planned this show before her death; her team now executes her vision. The exhibition builds on recent global crises—conflict, climate change, social upheaval—and reflects a broader trend in contemporary art to address resilience and social justice.
“This exhibition is about thriving through adversity, about art as a tool for societal healing.”
— Koyo Kouoh (curator’s team member)
“My work confronts illness as a social and political construct; it’s about healing and survival.”
— Guadalupe Maravilla
What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how the exhibition’s themes will evolve as more works are added or how the curatorial team will interpret Kouoh’s vision fully. The impact of her absence on the final presentation remains to be seen, as some connections between works are still emerging.
What’s Next
The exhibition continues through the duration of the Venice Biennale, with additional works and performances expected to deepen the themes of perseverance and societal resilience. Further curatorial insights and artist collaborations are anticipated to expand on these themes.
Key Questions
What is the main focus of ‘In Minor Keys’ at the Venice Biennale?
The exhibition focuses on themes of perseverance, resilience, and societal healing through contemporary art, emphasizing adaptation and community-building amid global crises.
Who curated ‘In Minor Keys’ and what happened after their passing?
The show was curated by Koyo Kouoh, who passed away before its opening. Her team now carries forward her vision, aiming to maintain the thematic integrity she envisioned.
How do the artworks reflect themes of resilience?
Works by artists like Guadalupe Maravilla and Alexa Kumiko Hatanaka address social and environmental challenges, emphasizing endurance, healing, and adaptation across generations.
Will the exhibition include new works or performances?
Yes, additional works and performances are expected to be added throughout the Biennale, further exploring the themes of perseverance and societal transformation.
Why is this exhibition considered significant?
It offers a powerful cultural statement on resilience amid crises, highlighting art’s role in societal healing and community support during turbulent times.
