On May 6, 2026, Florentina Holzinger’s latest art installation, titled Seaworld Venice, opens at the Austrian Pavilion in Venice. This bold performance art piece features a nude female performer ringing a massive bronze bell, symbolizing the urgent climate crisis threatening this iconic city.
The installation runs until November 22, 2026, during the 61st Venice Biennale. Holzinger is renowned for her extreme performances that often incorporate nudity and elements of body horror. In this work, she explores the intersection of technology and nature in a flooded Venice—a city grappling with climate change.
As part of her artistic vision, Holzinger critiques mass tourism and its environmental impact on Venice. The installation invites viewers to confront their role in this crisis. Nora-Swantje Almes, a collaborator on the project, reflects on this duality: “We think about Venice as a city that is particularly threatened by the climate crisis and flooding. At the same time that we’re critical of it, we’re also part of it. We are complicit, as are the visitors to the Biennale.”
Holzinger’s work stands out for its combination of nudity, athleticism, feminism, and social critique. The artist aims to provoke thought and emotion through her performances. The installation isn’t simply a message; it’s an exploration of multiple truths held in uncomfortable tension.
In addition to its artistic merit, Seaworld Venice has garnered support from the Austrian Ministry, emphasizing its cultural significance. As visitors flock to see this unique installation, they are reminded of their connection to both the beauty and vulnerability of Venice.
The broader implications of Holzinger’s work resonate beyond art circles—calling attention to environmental activism in an era marked by climate change. Her approach encourages dialogue about how society navigates these pressing issues while engaging with art.
As artists like Holzinger push boundaries in performance art, they continue to shine a light on vital societal challenges. The urgency of addressing climate change remains paramount as audiences experience her thought-provoking piece at one of the world’s most prestigious art events.
