Mounir Fatmi is among the participating artists in the 2026 edition of the Chengdu Biennale 2026, on view from 1 February to 15 August 2026 at the Chengdu Art Museum. Presented as part of the Biennale, Fatmi exhibits two works, The Missing Link and History is Not Mine, each reflecting his ongoing engagement with the political, cultural, and technological forces shaping contemporary society. Bringing together a diverse roster of international practitioners, the Biennale continues to position Chengdu as a key site for global contemporary discourse, fostering dialogue across cultures, geographies, and artistic languages.
In The Missing Link, Fatmi explores the fractures and discontinuities within systems of knowledge and communication. Through his characteristic use of found materials and symbolic forms, the work suggests a rupture in the transmission of meaning—pointing to gaps in historical narratives and the instability of what is often perceived as truth. In contrast, History is Not Mine reflects on authorship and ownership of collective memory, questioning who has the authority to construct and preserve history. The work engages with layered references to cultural identity and displacement, underscoring the complexities of belonging in a globalized world.
Within this context, Fatmi’s broader practice offers a critical lens on the shifting conditions of the contemporary world. Known for his conceptual approach, he consistently interrogates systems of power, belief, and information. His works navigate the tensions between tradition and modernity, addressing themes such as migration, technology, and the legacy of colonial histories. At the Chengdu Biennale, his presentation resonates within a curatorial framework that reflects on transformation, uncertainty, and the evolving role of the artist today.
Fatmi’s participation underscores his continued engagement with major international platforms, situating his work within an expansive network of artistic exchange. As audiences encounter these works in Chengdu, they become part of an ongoing inquiry into how meaning is constructed, disrupted, and reimagined across contexts—inviting reflection on the structures that shape contemporary life.
