Three Rising Artists Revealed for the Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale – International Edition

The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma has chosen Klara Kristalova, Benjamin Orlow, and Tori Wrånes to showcase the variety of identities through the lens of Nordic mythology.

In an exhibition that will be curated by Kiasma’s Chief Curator, Anna Mustonen, the three artists will “invite visitors to journey through a dynamic interplay of imagination and reality that bridges Nordic cultural heritage with broader global contexts,” she says.

Scheduled to occur in the Nordic Pavilion Since 1962, Sweden, Norway, and Finland have had representation at the Biennale. The distinctive pavilion structure was created in 1958 by architect Sverre Fehn, who describes it as "a perennial setting that encourages an exchange among art, culture, and architectural spaces."

Klara Kristalova is a Czech artist who lives and works in Norrtälje, Sweden. She is known for her “expressive sculptures that blend fairytale-like imagery with themes of isolation, transformation, and psychological depth”. Kirtalova’s ceramic work has been shown internationally with exhibitions at Perrotin in Paris and Lehmann Maupin in London.

Benjamin Orlow is a Finnish-Swedish-Russian artist hailing from Turku, Finland. Currently residing and working in London, UK, he has showcased his sculptural and installation pieces throughout Europe. "His work explores historical shifts, material culture, and how humans engage with constructed spaces. The sculptures he creates are frequently large-scale, capturing themes of isolation or transformation central to life’s recurring patterns."

Last but not least, Norwegian artist Tori Wrånes works across multiple disciplines as an artist and a vocalist who combines her musical practices with sculptural installation works. “Her immersive, often otherworldly environments challenge perception and redefine traditional performance spaces, creating new rituals and dreamlike constellations,” the Nordic Pavilion press release reads.

The three nations take turns appointing chief commissioners. This year, it is Finland's turn, and the commissioner will be selected from the staff at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.

“Besides their physical closeness, the Nordic nations have historically possessed a similar cultural background, which provides a solid base for intense partnership within creative fields. They also uphold various social principles like fairness and communal assistance. Such joint efforts in artistic endeavors strengthen these beliefs and underscore the significance of creativity in culture,” explains Kiira Miesmaa, who serves as the Director of Kiasma and acts as the commissioner for the Nordic Countries Pavilion at Expo 2026.

This year’s Architecture Venice Biennale will kick off on 10 May and carry on through to 23 November. It is one of the world’s most prestigious art events. Alternating annually between architecture and art, alongside the central exhibition, individual nations represent themselves through pavilions.

A number of countries showcasing their work at the Biennale participate within the Venice Giardini, which is an outdoor garden area located there. 30 permanent buildings devoted to showcasing national presentations. In the 2023 Architecture Biennale, the Nordic Pavilion featured 'Girjegumpi: The Sámi Architecture Library' by Joar Nango, highlighting the indigenous Nordic Sámi community.