Venice Biennale 2026

In her work, Jenna Sutela explores biological and computational processes, from the human microbiome and planetary ecosystems to language and code. Her sculptures, installations, and sound pieces frequently include chance elements and evolving structures: they are both live and alive. Often working in dialogue with scientists, Sutela seeks to move beyond individualism and anthropocentrism to consider interrelationships at all scales.

Jenna Sutela is a Finnish artist based in Berlin. Sutela’s work has been presented internationally in museums, biennials and art spaces.

“I really appreciate the chance to present new work and to continue collaborating with Stefanie at the Venice Biennale. I’m particularly pleased to create an installation for the special pavilion by Alvar and Elissa Aalto,” Jenna Sutela says.

Stefanie Hessler is a curator, writer, and the Director of Swiss Institute (SI) in New York. Her work centers artists and ideas through new commissions, transdisciplinary collaborations, and experimental formats, often focusing on ecologies, technologies, and their social intersections.

“I am thrilled to continue my collaboration with Jenna Sutela on the occasion of the Finnish Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale,” Stefanie Hessler says. “Jenna and I met in 2016 in Helsinki and have worked together on numerous occasions – most recently for her new commission Vermi-Sibyl (2023) as part of Spora at Swiss Institute. I look forward to curating her upcoming work, especially in the context of next year’s Biennale under the direction of Koyo Kouoh.”

The selection was made following an open call organised by Frame, which received 128 exhibition proposals.

The exhibition is supported by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. The Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture is the main partner of the exhibition.

Venice Art Biennale

The Venice Biennale, founded in 1895 and held biannually, is one of the most important international forums for presenting contemporary art. In 2024, the Biennale hosted 86 National Participations in addition to the main exhibition. The Biennale received over 700,000 visitors. Finland is one of the 29 countries with a national pavilion in the historical Giardini Biennale Park. Additionally, Finland participates in the Nordic Pavilion together with Norway and Sweden. In 2026, the Nordic Pavilion exhibition is commissioned by Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.

Frame Contemporary Art Finland has acted as the commissioner of the Aalto Pavilion of Finland since 2013. Information about the past editions can be found here. As the commissioner, Frame appoints the artist and the curator for the Pavilion based on an open call, or by invitation. The selection for the 2026 Biennale was based on an open call organised in summer 2024.