La Biennale di Venezia
09.05 - 22.11.2026

The 61st Venice Biennale opens to the public on 9 May 2026 and runs until 22 November 2026.

Titled ‘In Minor Keys’, the exhibition was conceived by Koyo Kouoh, who was appointed artistic director in 2024, before her passing in May 2025.

The phrase “minor keys” comes from music. It speaks to the quieter, more emotional and intimate tones. A tonal system based on a scale generally marked by sad, wistful and tense qualities. Using this frame, the exhibition steps back from the noise and chaos of the world toward a slower, gentler frame where art can, yet again, hold beauty and community. 

‘In Minor Keys’ will include 110 artists from around the globe, including individuals, duos, collectives and organisations, coalescing around seven conceptual threads: Procession-Invocation, The Creole Garden, The Threshold, The Schools, Enchantment, Rest and The Shrines, dedicated, in particular, to the two major artists – Senegalese painter, sculptor, performance artist and poet Issa Samb and American artist Beverly Buchanan, whose work includes an exploration of Southern vernacular architecture.

Below is a list of invited artists from Southern Africa.

 

Nolan Oswald Dennis

Born 1988, Lusaka, Zambia. Lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Nicholas Hlobo

Born 1975, Cape Town, South Africa. Lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Senzeni Marasela

Born 1977, Thokoza, South Africa. Lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Georgina Maxim

Born 1980, Harare, Zimbabwe. Lives in Harare and Mutare, Zimbabwe.

Thania Petersen

Born 1980, Cape Town, South Africa. Lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

Johannes Phokela

Born 1966, Johannesburg, South Africa. Lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Berni Searle

Born 1964, Cape Town, South Africa. Lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

Mmakgabo Mmapula Helen Sebidi

Born 1943, Marapyane, South Africa. Lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Buhlebezwe Siwani

Born 1987, Johannesburg, South Africa. Lives in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Cape Town, South Africa.

Kemang Wa Lehulere

Born 1984, Cape Town, South Africa. Lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

Billie Zangewa

Born 1973, Blantyre, Malawi. Lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

The full list of artists is available on the Biennale website.