The Netherlands has selected Dries Verhoeven for the 2026 Venice Biennale, marking a historic first for a performance piece in the Dutch pavilion. His work seeks to address the current geopolitical uncertainties in Europe, using the pavilion as part of his artistic intervention. Meanwhile, Lithuania's artist, Eglė Budvytytė, will present a multi-channel film and installation exploring Neolithic spirituality based on research from archaeologist Marija Gimbutas. Both artists aim to bring critical contemporary themes to one of the world's premier art events, reflecting societal concerns.
Through this intervention, Verhoeven responds to a smouldering state of uncertainty, he currently perceives in The Netherlands and Europe.
Geopolitical tensions are grave, and that's putting it mildly. It has been many years since our future felt this uncertain.
The work for the pavilion draws upon the research and theories of the Lithuanian archaeologist Marija Gimbutas, focusing on Neolithic spirituality and the non-separability between the sacred and the everyday.
Dries Verhoeven will be the first artist to present a performance piece in the Dutch pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale.
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