Ebony G. Patterson, Central Pavilion of the Giardini, Venice Biennale 2026

The work of the Jamaican artist Ebony G. Patterson consists of assemblages of decorative objects, which he uses to create large, beautiful sculptures.

Ebony G. Patterson On display is a large white peacock, crafted from beads, whose long tail resembles a bridal train, the tip of which unfurls into a fan of shimmering, brilliant colours.

The other work he is presenting in the central pavilion of the Giardini at the 2026 Venice Biennale resembles a tall, double-sided wall.

On one side, hundreds of blood-red gloves appear to be spilling down to the floor.

It feels as though these thousands of fingers are ready to wave before us.

On the other side of this wall of gloves, Ebony G. Patterson has assembled brightly coloured fabrics, hung and pressed tightly together, as if awaiting the breath of wind that will bring them to life.

Two animal spines, still attached to their skulls, hang in the midst of this array of colourful fabrics, disrupting the semblance of tranquil harmony that the whole seemed to convey.

Ebony G. Patterson