Michael Joo: 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia by Koyo Kouoh.: La Biennale di Venezia
Kavi Gupta congratulates Michael Joo on his invitation to participate in the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia by Koyo Kouoh.
The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia – In Minor Keys by Koyo Kouoh – will run from Saturday 9 May to Sunday 22 November 2026 (preview 6, 7, 8 May) at the Giardini and the Arsenale venues, and in various locations around Venice.
With the full support of Koyo Kouoh’s family, La Biennale di Venezia decided to carry out her Exhibition. It will do so by following the project just as she conceived and defined it, with the purpose of preserving, enhancing and disseminating her ideas and the work she pursued.
An excerpt from ArtNews and Daniel Cassady's interview with Michael Joo surrounding his solo exhibition Sweat Models 1991-2026 which is currently on view at Space Zero One in New York; and his upcoming participation in the Biennale.
'“I’m glad you mentioned that,” Joo said before revealing the project that will take him back to the Venice Biennale later this year—more than two decades after representing South Korea in the national pavilion. He couldn’t discuss the work, which will be in the main exhibition, but did speak about his relationship with Koyo Kouoh, the curator of this year’s main exhibition at the Biennale who died unexpectedly last year. The two had a long-running dialogue and worked together for the EVA International in 2014. “Then, about two years ago she contacted me and said ‘I’ve got something coming up…keep your schedule open.’ In a way we are still working together.”'
