The 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is scheduled to take place in Venice from May to November 2026.

According to the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam’s participation in this edition marks a significant milestone, affirming the presence of Vietnamese art at one of the world’s most prestigious and influential contemporary art platforms.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the pavilion will feature works by 10 Vietnamese artists, namely Le Nguyen Chinh, Bui Huu Hung, Doan Thi Thu Huong, Cong Kim Hoa, Le Huu Hieu, Nguyen Truong Linh, Le Hoang Nguyen, Oanh Phi Phi, Trieu Khac Tien, and Trinh Tuan. The exhibition is curated by Do Tuong Linh.

The participating artists collectively explore lacquer as the central medium. Each approaches lacquer from distinct perspectives, ranging from painting to installation, from traditional techniques to expanded experiments in space and structure.

Characterised by layered material compositions and rich color palettes, the works offer multi-dimensional visual experiences where imagery, light, and material interact closely.

Lacquer is not only regarded as a traditional craft technique but also as a profound artistic language deeply rooted in cultural identity, while remaining adaptable to contemporary issues. It represents a living practice, reflecting both the cyclical rhythms of life and the persistent, meticulous labor of artistic creation.

The exhibition space engages in dialogue with this year’s Biennale theme, “In Minor Keys,” which evokes subtle tonalities in music - quiet, introspective layers akin to echoes from inner depths. This spirit resonates with lacquer practice: a repetitive process of layering and polishing, where patience and refinement gradually accumulate into depth and lasting resonance.

Marking Vietnam’s first participation at the Biennale, “Vietnam: Art in a Global Flow” does not aim to assert presence through scale or grand statements. Instead, it opens up a space for meaningful artistic dialogue, an invitation to listen to subtle voices, to reflect in stillness, and to contemplate the enduring creative energy within an ever-evolving global art landscape.

Artist Le Huu Hieu presents solo show at Venice Art Biennale 61

VOV.VN - Marking a decade-long journey of introducing Vietnamese culture to global audiences, artist Le Huu Hieu has confirmed his solo exhibition “Tằm” will be presented at the Vietnam Pavilion under the theme “Vietnam: Art in Global Flow” at the Venice Art Biennale 61.