Book launch 'The Fortress' accompanying the Dutch entry for the 61st edition of La Biennale di Venezia
For the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, artist Dries Verhoeven and curator Rieke Vos present a performance and architectural installation titled The Fortress. The project marks a historic first: it is the first time the Netherlands is represented at the Biennale Arte with a performance, and the first time the Dutch Pavilion itself becomes an integral part of the artwork. Edited by Milo Vermeire.
All photography below by Willem Popelier
The Fortress accompanies the Dutch entry for the 61st edition of La Biennale di Venezia by Dries Verhoeven. In collaboration with curator Rieke Vos, Verhoeven brings performance art to the Dutch Pavilion and makes the building itself part of the work through an architectural installation. This publication contains texts by Dries Verhoeven and Rieke Vos, alongside contributions by Bas Heijne, Maurits de Bruijn and Eric Otieno Sumba.




La Biennale di Venezia runs from 9 May to 22 November 2026.
