A Biennale that prioritises emotion over spectacle
Entitled *In Minor Keys*, this 61st Venice Biennale marks a shift in tone. Conceived by Koyo Kouoh prior to her passing, the international exhibition explores marginalised narratives, invisible memories and understated emotions.
Here, art no longer seeks to create an immediate impact or a spectacular effect. On the contrary, it invites us to take our time, to appreciate the subtleties and to immerse ourselves in works that reveal themselves gradually.
As Olivier Fossard puts it: “There are fewer ‘sensational’ selfies taken in front of monumental installations, and more focus on the story within the story, with a keen eye for the margins, overlooked narratives, and voices we don’t usually hear.”
In his view, this Biennale offers a deeply immersive experience: “Coherence no longer stems from a play on forms, but from a politics of attention: accepting to be moved by works that do not shout, but persist.”
In a Venice gripped by geopolitical and institutional tensions, this restraint is precisely what makes this year’s festival so compelling.
One of Olivier Fossard’s favourites is the Luxembourg Pavilion
One of the experiences that made the greatest impression on him was the Luxembourg Pavilion, curated by the artist Aline Bouvy.
In *La Merde*, the artist transforms the space into a physical and unsettling experience in which shame becomes artistic material. Film, sculpture and sound installation immerse the visitor in a deliberately uncomfortable world, drawing on Julia Kristeva’s reflections on abjection and the social mechanisms of rejection.
“We are no longer simply viewing a work of art, but are drawn into its orbit, compelled to question our own position as viewers, our instinctive reactions of rejection, and our strategies of avoidance,” observes Olivier Fossard.
This ability to convey the tensions of the modern world, rather than merely illustrating them, runs through the entire Biennale.
A different Venice, off the beaten track
As well as the Giardini and the Arsenale, Olivier Fossard also recommends several lesser-known venues that truly embody the spirit of this year’s event.
At the Ospedaletto, the Fondazione In Between Art Film presents *Canicula*, an immersive exhibition featuring eight video installations that explore heat as a climatic, social and emotional metaphor.
The feeling of constantly being on the verge of breaking down, in a world where thresholds—thermal, social, emotional—are being exceeded
Another breath of fresh air at this tense Biennale: the Dries Van Noten Foundation at Palazzo Pisani Moretta. Blending craftsmanship, design and contemporary art, the Belgian designer has created a quiet, refined space, conceived as a counterpoint to the surrounding hustle and bustle.
Finally, Olivier Fossard also highlights the power of Michael Armitage’s works at the Palazzo Grassi with *The Promise of Change*, which he considers one of the highlights of his stay in Venice.
An exclusive Paperjam x Continents Insolites trip
This Venice Biennale itinerary has been designed exclusively for Paperjam readers. The aim is to enable you to experience the Biennale through the expert eyes of Olivier Fossard and the immersive approach of Continents Insolites.
Beyond the major exhibitions, this trip opens the door to a more secret side of Venice: private foundations, artisans’ workshops, hidden palaces and exclusive cultural encounters.
Designed for curious travellers and lovers of contemporary art, this experience focuses on taking your time, gaining a deeper understanding of the artworks, and visiting unique venues that are often overlooked by traditional tours.
Book your trip to Venice
From 25 to 27 September 2026, experience the Venice Biennale on an exclusive small-group tour for up to 15 people.
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This article was produced as part of a partnership between Paperjam and Continents Insolites.