In its official statement on social media, the culture ministry noted that Le Petit Journal praised the Egyptian exhibit for its distinctive artistic vision and profound human dimension.
Titled "Silence Pavilion: Between the Tangible and the Intangible," the granite monolithic sculptures by Egyptian-Armenian visual artist Armen Agop draw inspiration from the sculptural traditions of ancient Egypt, where granite symbolized permanence and strength.
A Meditative Experience
The project features monumental granite sculptures, a painting dominated by lapis lazuli blue, and the delicate fragrance of lotus flowers.
Through a work characterized by captivating simplicity, the artist invites visitors to open themselves to the realm of mystery and to what lies beyond direct perception.
"While other pavilions rely on modern technologies and digital screens, the Egyptian Pavilion returns to natural elements and appeals directly to the senses," the ministry's statement said.
It added that Agop's work also reflects the timelessness of the desert and the broader Mediterranean cultural landscape, which serves as a bridge between East and West.
"This artistic project invites audiences to experience what is difficult to express in words and to immerse themselves in the inner world of the artworks," the statement concluded.
Other recommendations by art critics
By comparing the rankings published by Le Petit Journal with those of leading contemporary art publications such as Artsy and e-flux, four other national pavilions also emerged as standout highlights across the Biennale's Giardini and Arsenale venues: the Vatican, Austria, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.
Located off the main route in the mystical garden of the Discalced Carmelites, the Vatican Pavilion, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, offers an immersive audio journey experienced through headphones. It combines liturgical chants by Benedictine nuns with contributions by Patti Smith and Brian Eno, paying tribute to the medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen.
The Austrian Pavilion, created by radical artist Florentina Holzinger, has emerged as one of the year's most striking visual experiences, challenging the conventions of opera and body performance.
With "The Fortress," artist Dries Verhoeven transformed the Netherlands Pavilion into a sealed black box. Visitors undergo a 25-minute sensory experience in complete darkness, punctuated by visceral vocal performances.
Representing Saudi Arabia, artist Dana Awartani presents a monumental textile and geometric installation exploring the transmission of traditional craftsmanship and the memory of place, earning widespread acclaim for its aesthetic refinement.
The Venice Biennale
The Venice Biennale is one of the world's foremost platforms for contemporary art. Since its founding in 1895, it has established itself as a global barometer of contemporary artistic practice.
The event consists of a major international thematic exhibition, alongside dozens of historic national pavilions presented across Venice.
This year's edition is titled In Minor Keys, and runs between 9 May and 22 November 2026.
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This article was originally published in Al-Ahram Hebdo (French) on 29 June. Translation: Ahram Online
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