Visual artist Abbas Akhavan to represent Canada at 2026 Venice Biennale exhibition

OTTAWA — Montreal-based visual artist Abbas Akhavan will represent Canada at one of the biggest and most prestigious art forums in the world.

The National Gallery of Canada says the Tehran-born artist has been chosen to showcase at the next Venice Biennale, set to run from April to November 2026.

The selection committee describes Akhavan as “a meticulous artist and thinker” whose interests include exploring issues around memory and place.

The 46-year-old creates works that involve installations, drawing, video, sculpture and performance. He won Canada’s prestigious Sobey Art Award in 2015.

Akhavan has been based in Canada for 30 years and also lives and works in Berlin.

Visual artist Abbas Akhavan to represent Canada at 2026 Venice Biennale exhibition | iNFOnews.ca — An installation by Canadian visual artist Abbas Akhavan, entitled “Curtain Call,” is seen at the Copenhagen Contemporary, in Copenhagen, Denmark, in a 2023 handout photo. The installation, which measures 12m long, is made of a mix of natural materials, paint and includes an audio component. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-David Stjernholm, *MANDATORY CREDIT*

The Venice Biennale international art exhibition has helped launch or promote the careers of Canadian artists including Jean Paul Riopelle, Michael Snow, Geneviève Cadieux and Stan Douglas.

Hamilton-born, Paris-based creator Kapwani Kiwanga was chosen to represent Canada at the 2024 Venice Biennale, which began April 20 and runs to Nov. 24.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2024.