Kathmandu, May 7
Nepali visual artist and photographer Jyoti Shrestha has been selected to exhibit her project Chhyake at the 61st International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia (2026), marking a rare continuation of Nepali presence at one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art platforms.
Her work will be presented within Personal Structures, an official collateral exhibition organised by the European Cultural Centre (ECC), running from 9 May to 22 November 2026 across historic venues including Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Mora, and Marinaressa Gardens in Venice.
Founded in 1895, the Venice Biennale is widely regarded as one of the most influential global gatherings of contemporary art. While Nepal presented its first official pavilion in 2022, participation by Nepali artists within the wider Biennale ecosystem remains limited. Shrestha’s inclusion signals the growing visibility of contemporary Nepali voices within international art discourse.
“Being part of the Venice Biennale feels surreal. I always dreamt of exhibiting here, and I can’t believe it’s happening,” says Shrestha. “It is important for me not only to present my work, but to contribute to Nepal’s evolving presence within global contemporary art.”
Jyoti Shrestha is a Nepal-born photographer. She is a GUP Fresh Eyes Talent 2026, Netherlands and the winner of Blurring the Lines 2025 by the European Cultural Centre, Urbanautica and Paris College of Art. She has been shown internationally across Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, the Philippines, etc. She is an alumna of Angkor Photo Workshop, Cambodia, Pathshala South Asia Media, Bangladesh and PhotoCircle, Nepal.
