The Biennale of Contemporary Ceramics 2026 in Rhodes: Rediscovering Clay as a Living Language
The cultural heritage of the Mediterranean meets contemporary art.
1Historical Roots of Ceramics
Ceramics, integral to daily life in the Mediterranean for millennia, serve as expressions of cultural identity and rituals. This deep continuity inspires the 2026 Biennale of Contemporary Ceramics in Rhodes.
2The Second Edition of the Biennale
Taking place from June 6 to October 31, 2026, the biennale will be held in five iconic venues within Rhodes' Medieval City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding a unique atmosphere to the exhibition.
3Regional and Global Participation
Featuring works from 42 artists across 18 countries, the biennale positions ceramics as both a medium of artistic expression and a craft connecting past and present.
4The Curators' Vision
BCK founder Loukia Thomopoulou, independent curator Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos, and researcher Anissa Touati emphasize the biennale's nomadic character while highlighting Rhodes' history and mythology.
5Rhodes' Mythological Connection
Inspired by Rhodes' mythological bond with the Sun God Helios, the biennale explores the connections between history, tradition, and the future.
6Exhibition at the Archaeological Museum
One of the most impressive venues is the Rhodes Archaeological Museum. Its Gothic architecture and archaeological collections provide a rich backdrop for contemporary ceramic works.
7Artists' Approaches
Participating artists engage with Rhodes' history and culture through new commissions and existing works, creating a dialogue between the past and the present.
8A Tribute to Water
Asunción Molinos Gordo's '¡Cuánto río allá arriba!' features totemic sculptures made from stacked pitchers and jugs from different historical periods, celebrating water as a common good.
9Traces of Maritime Routes
David Scanavino's 'A Gift for Giovanni' traces the maritime routes once used to transport culture and power, referencing Rhode Island's namesake, the red coastline of Rhodes.
10The History of Women's Labor
Elif Uras' 'Rodio Orientali' series reclaims the history of women's labor through optical patterns inspired by Islamic geometry and depictions of female figures.
11The Significance of the Biennale
The 2026 Biennale of Contemporary Ceramics in Rhodes highlights ceramics as both a craft connecting past and present and a dynamic art form, emphasizing the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean.