Representing a dynamic and diverse approach to contemporary Nordic artistic practice, the exhibition brings together artists from different backgrounds and creative disciplines. Known for their distinctive approaches to sculpture, installation, and performance, the artists share a common exploration of transformation, resilience, and vulnerability, often blurring the boundaries between the real and the imagined. Their work will weave together Nordic mythologies with broader global contexts such as identity, cultural survival, and gender equality to bring a compelling and transformative perspective to the Pavilion.
Anna Mustonen quote: “The Nordic Countries Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia brings together three distinct artistic voices of Klara Kristalova, Benjamin Orlow, and Tori Wrånes. The exhibition invites visitors to journey through a dynamic interplay of imagination and reality that bridges Nordic cultural heritage with broader global contexts. Sverre Fehn’s iconic architecture itself serves as a timeless backdrop, that fosters a dialogue between art, culture, and the built environment.”
Anna Mustonen (b. 1979, Joensuu, Finland), Chief Curator at Kiasma, holds an MA in History of Art from University College London. She has worked at leading international institutions and private galleries, including Tate, Kumu Art Museum, Haunch of Venison and Victoria Miro. She has curated exhibitions for Fotografiska, Helsinki Kunsthalle and Kai Art Center, Tallinn, among others.
“In addition to geographical proximity, the Nordic countries have long shared a common cultural heritage. This lays a strong foundation for close collaboration in the arts. The Nordic countries also share many societal values, such as equality and community support. The shared artistic cooperation reinforces our values and the role of art in society”, says Kiira Miesmaa, Director of Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and commissioner of the Nordic Countries Pavilion 2026.
The Nordic Countries Pavilion was designed by Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn and completed in 1962. It has since been a space for collaboration between three Nordic countries – Finland, Norway and Sweden – who alternate as principal commissioners and managers of the Pavilion.
The Nordic Countries Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is commissioned by Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and co-commissioned by Moderna Museet (Sweden) and OCA – Office for Contemporary Art Norway, April – November 2026.
Photo: Finnish National Gallery / Pirje Mykkänen
The exhibition is supported by Saastamoinen Foundation.
International Media
Rel Hayman and Phoebe Dunfoy at Pelham Communications
rel@pelhamcommunications.com or phoebe.d@pelhamcommunications.com
+44 20 8969 3959
Finnish Media
Kiira Koskela, Communications Officer
Kiira.Koskela@kiasma.fi
