The Venice Biennale, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious international art events, has been held in Venice since 1895. Every edition brings together artists and national pavilions from across the globe, showcasing the artistic, political, and cultural trends shaping each region. This year, however, geopolitical tensions have once again cast a shadow over the international exhibition.
Just days before the official opening of the 61st International Art Exhibition, the Islamic Republic of Iran confirmed its withdrawal from the 2026 edition of the Biennale amid escalating diplomatic and military tensions in the Middle East. The announcement was made through a brief statement released by the organizers on the event’s official website, confirming that the Iranian Pavilion would no longer participate in In Minor Keys, the exhibition curated by Koyo Kouoh and scheduled to run from May 9 to November 22.
Iran’s absence represents a significant cultural loss for the exhibition, which in previous editions featured internationally recognized Iranian artists working across experimental photography, conceptual art, symbolic realism, and neo-expressionism. Among the prominent names associated with recent Iranian participation are Sheree Hovsepian, known for her experimental photography and assemblage works; Bahman Mohasses, celebrated for his symbolic and expressionist visual language; Abdolhamid Ghadirian, whose work blends religious imagery with contemporary narrative painting; and Kazem Chalipa, recognized for his socially engaged neo-expressionist style.
The Biennale itself has also faced organizational challenges this year. Due to the absence of an official jury, organizers announced that the traditional Golden Lion awards for Best National Pavilion and Best Artist will be decided through public voting. In addition, the award ceremony, initially scheduled for this month, has been postponed until November, coinciding with the final stage of the international exhibition.
As conflicts in the Middle East continue to intensify, Iran’s withdrawal highlights the growing impact of global political crises on major cultural institutions, reinforcing the increasingly fragile relationship between art, diplomacy, and international representation.
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