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German Artist Henrike Naumann Dies Before Venice Biennale

2/16/2026

Summary

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Henrike Naumann, a German artist, died February 14, 2026, in Berlin after a cancer diagnosis.
She was set to represent Germany at the Venice Biennale, which opens on May 9, 2026.
The Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations mourned her loss and noted that Naumann's installations used everyday objects to explore reunification and geopolitical dynamics.
Naumann's passing follows the earlier death of Koyo Kouoh, another key figure for this year's Biennale.

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Story summary

Henrike Naumann, a German artist, died February 14, 2026, in Berlin after a cancer diagnosis.
She was set to represent Germany at the Venice Biennale, which opens on May 9, 2026.
The Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations mourned her loss and noted that Naumann's installations used everyday objects to explore reunification and geopolitical dynamics.
Naumann's passing follows the earlier death of Koyo Kouoh, another key figure for this year's Biennale.