Venice Biennale Announces 111 Artists for International Exhibition

**The Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition: A Tribute to Koyo Kouoh with “In Minor Keys”**

The 61st edition of the Venice Biennale has unveiled its highly anticipated list of 111 participating artists, duos, and collectives for this year’s international art exhibition. This edition is marked by a poignant tribute to the late Cameroonian curator, Koyo Kouoh, with the exhibition titled “In Minor Keys.” Despite Kouoh’s passing in May 2022, her dedicated team, including Gabe Beckhurst Feijoo, Marie Hélène Pereira, and Rasha Salti as advisors, ensured her vision came to fruition.

The exhibition, set to open on May 9, features a diverse array of artists from across the globe, including the United States, Palestine, Australia, Peru, South Africa, Zambia, and more. This curated selection promises to underscore the transformative power of artistic expression, which Kouoh deeply believed in as a “vital interpreter of the social and psychic condition,” as highlighted by advisor Feijoo in today’s presentation.

In a significant decision, the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement awards will not be presented this year, reflecting the absence of Kouoh’s final selections.

Among the participants, the inclusion of Khaled Sabsabi, the Lebanese-born artist, has garnered attention. His involvement follows a reinstatement as Australia’s official pavilion artist after initially being scrutinized and subsequently deselected last year. Other notable names gracing the exhibition are Wangechi Mutu from Kenya, American filmmaker Cauleen Smith, and Palestinian artist Mohammed Joha, among others.

Kouoh’s influence extended beyond her careful curation, enveloping the concept and theme of the exhibition. Salti, in his statement, described “In Minor Keys” as an embrace of subtlety and emotion, inviting attendees to an introspective journey through nuanced artistic expressions.

A complete list of the distinguished artists participating this year is available, further highlighting the Biennale’s commitment to representing a myriad of voices and perspectives from around the world.

### Artists Participating in the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia:

– **Pio Abad** (Philippines/UK)
– **Philip Aguirre y Otegui** (Belgium)
– **Akinbode Akinbiyi** (UK/Germany)
– **Laurie Anderson** (USA)
– **Fabrice Aragno** (Switzerland)
– … *[List continued]* …

This exhibition stands not only as a curated art showcase but also as a tribute to Koyo Kouoh’s enduring legacy and her pioneering role as what would have been the first African woman to serve as the Biennale’s artistic director.