French conceptual artist Bernar Venet is among the internationally recognised figures included in the 2026 Pulse of Life · Chengdu Biennale, which opened to the public on 8 February at the Chengdu Art Museum. The Biennale brings together 251 artists from 29 countries and regions, presenting 328 works under the theme “Pulse of Life.” Organised across six thematic sections, the exhibition explores the rhythms of everyday experience and the ways art can reflect the vitality and emotional landscape of contemporary urban life.
Venet has 3 indoor works; Pile of Coal (1963), Black Mirror (1963), and Saturated Poems (2018), as well as a large outdoor piece Disordered Arcs: 3 Arcs x 5 (2008). His inclusion highlights the exhibition’s strong international focus, which this year features 116 artists from outside China. Known for his longstanding engagement with mathematics, systems and conceptual approaches to form, Venet’s practice has had a significant influence on post-war conceptual and sculptural traditions. His participation situates the Biennale within a broader global dialogue, alongside artists such as British contemporary artist Julian Opie.
The Biennale runs until 23 August 2026.
