The US Department of State announced today, November 24, that Alma Allen, a sculptor originally from Utah and currently residing in Mexico, has been chosen to represent the United States at the 2026 Venice Biennale. This decision follows a turbulent selection process for the 61st edition of the prestigious event.
The Department of State revealed that Allen’s pavilion will feature sculptures that are “site-responsive,” exploring the theme of “elevation” both as a physical form and as a symbol of collective hope and personal growth, aligning with the Trump Administration’s emphasis on highlighting American excellence.
The selection process was marked by challenges, including new guidelines under President Trump that imposed restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while mandating a focus on “American exceptionalism.” In a conversation with the New York Times, Allen disclosed that his previous galleries, Olney Gleason and Mendes Wood DM, urged him to decline the commission and later removed him from their lists after he accepted.
Both galleries confirmed to Hyperallergic that they no longer represent Allen but refrained from commenting on whether his acceptance of the commission influenced their decision. Nicholas Olney of Olney Gleason expressed happiness for Allen’s recognition despite not representing him. Luiz Guilherme Rodrigues of Mendes Wood DM stated they are not involved with Allen’s current or future endeavors.
Entitled “Alma Allen: Call Me the Breeze,” the pavilion is organized by commissioner Jenni Parido from the American Arts Conservancy and curated by Jeffrey Uslip, who previously served as deputy director of exhibitions at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. Uslip resigned in 2016 amid controversy over an exhibition he curated. Allen mentioned that he had not applied; instead, Uslip approached him with the opportunity, which he promptly accepted.
Allen, who operates from Tepoztlán, creates biomorphic sculptures using materials such as stone, wood, and bronze, often sourced from nearby quarries. His pieces are included in collections at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Palm Springs Art Museum. Initially, sculptor Robert Lazzarini and curator John Ravenal were considered for the festival, but their commission fell through due to a collapsed funding agreement.
