“TURANDOT: To the Daughters of the East” Set as Collateral Event for 61st Venice Biennale

"TURANDOT: To the Daughters of the East," a collateral event of the 61st International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia, is scheduled to run from 9 May to 31 October 2026, with a preview on 6 May. Hosted at the ACP–Palazzo Franchetti, the exhibition is presented by Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art, in collaboration with Fondazione Calarota.

The exhibition will feature works by eleven female artists: Lida Abdul, Afruz Amighi, Huma Bhabha, Hera Büyüktașcıyan, Mona Hatoum, Saodat Ismailova, Madina Joldybek, Nazira Karimi, Daria Kim, Farideh Lashai, and Tala Madani. These artists, originating from Central Asia and the East, will present a range of contemporary art practices including video work, installations, sculpture, painting, spoken works, textile, and sound work. Thematically, "TURANDOT" delves into mythology and cultural heritage, offering contemporary perspectives on these subjects.

The selection of artists and the exhibition's focus underscore a commitment to presenting diverse voices within the global art discourse, particularly from regions often underrepresented in major international platforms. Dr. Ziba Ardalan is identified as a key figure in the exhibition's realization, with Sam Talbot also noted in connection with the project. The staging of "TURANDOT" as a collateral event reinforces the Biennale's tradition of expanding its curatorial scope through independent presentations.