Venice Biennale Names 111 Artists for International Exhibition

"The Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition named 111 participating artists, duos, and collectives for late Cameroonian curator Koyo Kouoh's posthumous show In Minor Keys today, February 25. In a livestreamed presentation, Kouoh's team and biennale staff revealed the names of artists selected for the prestigious international exhibition, which opens on May 9. This year's edition will include works by artists from the United States, Palestine, Australia, Peru, South Africa, Zambia, and elsewhere."

"Kouoh, who died last May at age 57 following a cancer diagnosis, would have been the first African woman to serve as the biennale's artistic director. After her passing, the Venice Biennale said it would continue developing In Minor Keys with guidance from a team she selected, comprising Gabe Beckhurst Feijoo, Marie Helene Pereira, and Rasha Salti as advisors; Siddhartha Mitter as catalogue editor-in-chief; and Rory Tsapayi as research assistant."

"Notably, the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement awards will not be given this year because Kouoh was unable to make selections before her death. Among the most recognizable names is Lebanese-born artist Khaled Sabsabi, whose concurrent participation as Australia's official pavilion artist gained global attention last year when the country rescinded his selection following scrutiny of his artwork, but later reversed its decision."

The Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition has announced 111 participating artists, duos, and collectives for In Minor Keys, a posthumous exhibition curated by late Cameroonian curator Koyo Kouoh, who passed away in May at age 57. The exhibition opens May 9 and features artists from the United States, Palestine, Australia, Peru, South Africa, Zambia, and other countries. Notable participants include Lebanese-born artist Khaled Sabsabi, Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu, American filmmaker Cauleen Smith, and Palestinian painter Mohammed Joha. Kouoh would have been the first African woman to serve as the biennale's artistic director. Her selected advisory team, including Gabe Beckhurst Feijoo, Marie Helene Pereira, and Rasha Salti, continues developing the exhibition. The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement awards will not be presented this year due to Kouoh's inability to make selections before her death.

Read at hyperallergic.com