Somalia made its Venice Biennale debut at the 2026 edition, with three exiled women representing the country. Warsan Shire, born in Kenya and raised in Britain, is a poet and editor. Her work at the biennale is centered on themes of exile and loss of homeland. Asmaa Jama, another of the artists, roots her work in the traditions of her homeland. In her work for the biennale, she draws on Somali clothing, musical instruments, and mythological tales. Her inspiration? The lives of Somali pearl divers. Ayan Farah, now based in Sweden, centers her work in Somali embroidery, which she describes as a family heritage. Her submission for the biennale was inspired by her mother, who also helped her bring it to life. However, some back home say the three artists do not represent them. For one, the critics claim that the voices of Somalia-based artists were not reflected in the three artists’ works. Despite the opposition, many concede that the artists’ appearance at the biennale is a net positive for the country.
DW