Aygul Sarsen, The Aural Sea, Uzbekistan, Venice Biennale 2026

Three paintings by the artist Aygul Sarsen are on display at the Uzbekistan Pavilion in the Venice Arsenal.

These are very colourful paintings depicting women.

Two of them are surrounded by flowers in bucolic, poetic landscapes dominated by light, spring-like colours associated with adolescence.

But the peaceful and pleasant atmosphere changes with the third young woman, who brings her hands to her face, her eyes wide open, seeming to express fear or anxiety.

The young woman’s face and dress are blue, a cool colour that contrasts with the brown background of the painting; she appears trapped within the black circles.

Aygul Sarsen