Past artists

Canada began participating in the Biennale in 1952, sharing space in the international section of the Esposizione internazionale d’arte della città di Venezia. In 1958, at the invitation of the City of Venice, Canada opened its own pavilion, under the auspices of the National Gallery of Canada, in the Giardini, the main venue of the biannual art festival.

For over seven decades, Canada’s representation at the Biennale has played a part in shaping the role and place of Canadian contemporary art within international circles, elevating the international careers of many of the country’s most celebrated artists.

Recent Artists

Canada Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition.

Kapwani Kiwanga: Trinket

Kapwani Kiwanga is a multi-disciplinary artist who considers how diverse forms of power are manifested, how the histories they suppress are often overlooked, and their impact on everyday life. Her works function as experiential archives that offer temporary ruptures in established conventions, allowing audiences to both experience and imagine alternative ways of relating and being.

Stan Douglas: 2011 ≠ 1848

Recognized as one of Canada’s most acclaimed contemporary artists whose multidisciplinary practice includes films, photographs and—more recently—theatre productions, Stan Douglas has continually reimagined the mediums of photography and multi-channel film and video installations.