Lubaina Himid to Represent Britain at 2026 Venice Biennale: A Pioneering Move for Artists

Lubaina Himid Chosen to Represent UK at 2026 Venice Biennale

lubaina Himid, a celebrated artist known for her impactful installations that highlight marginalized figures in history, has been selected by the British Council to represent the United Kingdom at the prestigious 2026 Venice Biennale.

A Milestone Moment

Himid’s selection marks a meaningful moment in British art. she follows Sonia Boyce,who in 2022 became the first Black woman to represent the UK at Venice,receiving the coveted Golden Lion for her multimedia installation,”Feeling Her Way.” John Akomfrah represented Britain at the 2024 biennial.

Himid’s Reaction and Reflections

The artist expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I’m energised and so up for it,” referring to the challenge of showcasing her work at “the Olympics of art.” Reflecting on the timing, she added, “I was ready to do it when I was 30 – it’s just that the british Council weren’t ready for me.”

A Pioneer of Black British art

Himid, along with Boyce and Akomfrah, is recognized as a pioneer of Black British art. These artists participated in pivotal events such as the First National Black Art Convention in 1982,held at Wolverhampton Polytechnic. Their contributions were often marginalized by the mainstream art establishment, an experience Himid believes will inform her approach to the British pavilion.

Himid recalls the challenges of finding spaces to exhibit their work: “We absolutely thought of ourselves as artists, but we were often in places that weren’t dedicated to the showing of art,” she explained. She cited spaces such as the Africa Center and ICA in London, where their work found an audience.

Addressing National Identity and Public Mood

Born in zanzibar and currently based in Preston, where she teaches at the University of Central Lancashire, Himid believes that her background gives her a unique outlook. “Why not?” she asserts. “I’m British. I’ve lived hear since I was four months old.”

She elaborates on the sensitivity that comes from having one’s national identity questioned: “I don’t live here complacently. I for ever have my eye out for what’s happening. What’s the political situation? How are people feeling? What’s missing from museum collections? Sometimes, those of us who feel we don’t belong have several kinds of narratives running simultaneously occurring. I have all sorts of things to say about Britain’s history and the pavilion itself.”

Artistic Themes and Resistance to Pushback

Himid’s work frequently enough confronts the UK’s involvement in the slave trade, as seen in pieces like “Swallow Hard: The Lancaster Dinner Service” (2007) and her paintings in “Le Rodeur.” She acknowledges the recent right-wing pushback against the uncovering of such narratives.

Addressing this resistance, Himid states, “The right are always trying to unravel things,” adding, “But the point of artists is to open stuff up, let the cat out of the bag, spill the milk.It either opens up good conversations, or everyone just has to deal with it. The 1970s, when I was at art school, were tough times. So were the 1980s. But I kept making the work I wanted to make – there’s nothing else I can do.”

The Artist’s Vision for Venice

Himid is currently planning her exhibition for the 2026 Venice Biennale. She intends to revisit a 1985 show by Black women that she was forced to stage in a corridor at the ICA, contrasting it sharply with the prominent British pavilion.

When asked about her plans, Himid shared, “I always paint, so there will be paint,” hinting, “I’m interested in how surrealism meets the everyday, the space between a question and an answer. I’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s nerve-racking, but exciting. I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t think I had something interesting to say.”

Conclusion: A Bold Statement on the World Stage

Lubaina Himid’s selection to represent the UK at the 2026 Venice Biennale is a testament to her powerful artistic vision and her unwavering commitment to addressing overlooked narratives. As she prepares to showcase her work on the world stage, Himid’s unique perspective and artistic prowess promise to deliver a thought-provoking and impactful exhibition. Explore Himid’s previous works and prepare to be captivated by her upcoming presentation at the venice Biennale. Learn More About lubaina Himid’s Art.

What are Lubaina Himid’s plans for contrasting a 1985 show by Black women with the prominent British pavilion at the Venice Biennale?

Archyde News Exclusive: Lubaina Himid on Representing the UK at Venice Biennale 2026

Artistic Pioneer Lubaina Himid Set to Make Her Mark at Venice Biennale

In an exclusive interview with Archyde, trailblazing artist Lubaina Himid discusses her upcoming depiction of the united Kingdom at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Known for her impactful installations that shed light on marginalized historical figures, Himid’s selection marks a significant moment in British art.

Reacting to the News

“I’m energised and so up for it,” said Himid, referring to the prestigious event often dubbed “the Olympics of art.” Reflecting on the timing, she added, “I was ready to do it when I was 30 – it’s just that the British Council weren’t ready for me.”

What drove you to continue pursuing this prospect, despite not being selected earlier in your career?

A Pioneer of Black British Art

“We absolutely thought of ourselves as artists, but we were often in places that weren’t dedicated to the showing of art,” Himid recalled, reminiscing about the early days of Black British art, along with pioneers like Sonia boyce and John Akomfrah.

How have these shared experiences influenced your artistic vision and approach to the Venice Biennale pavilion?

Informing the Pavilion through National Identity

Born in Zanzibar and currently based in Preston, Himid believes her background gives her a unique perspective on the British narrative. “Why not? I’m British. I’ve lived here since I was four months old,” she asserted.

With your unique perspective,what aspects of the British historical narrative and contemporary public mood do you hope to highlight within the pavilion?

Confronting Controversial Themes and resistance

Himid’s work frequently addresses the UK’s involvement in the slave trade,acknowledging the recent pushback against uncovering these narratives. “The point of artists is to open stuff up, let the cat out of the bag,” she stated.

How do you plan to approach this resistance and foster meaningful dialog through your exhibition?

Vision for the Venice Pavilion

Himid plans to revisit a 1985 show by Black women, contrasting it with the prominent British pavilion.When asked about her plans, she teased, “I’m interested in how surrealism meets the everyday, the space between a question and an answer.”

Can you share any specific details or surprises visitors might expect from your Venice pavilion instalment?

Embracing the World Stage

The Venice Biennale presents an unparalleled opportunity for artists to showcase their work on a global scale. we look forward to seeing how Lubaina Himid’s powerful artistic vision and unwavering commitment to addressing overlooked narratives unfold in her upcoming presentation at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Explore Lubaina Himid’s art and catch her remarkable exhibition in Venice.