Gaza Biennial 2025 Opening Reception

Recess is honored to be one of three North American sites hosting the Gaza Biennale, a global exhibition shaped by Palestinian artists who have been creating throughout the war in Gaza. Even in this time of unimaginable loss these artists have persisted in their artistic practice.

Spanning five days—September 10–14, 2025–and then again in abbreviation for three months–September 18–December 20, 2025–this artist-initiated Biennale brings together a vast grouping of artworks that speak across borders and conditions of constraint. Launched in 2024 by artists working in and beyond Palestine, the Gaza Biennale is a decentralized exhibition taking place in cities around the world. The Biennale invites us to engage with art’s capacity to reflect an unimaginable present, to defy all challenges, and to build a global movement.

The works presented here at Recess, in the New York Pavilion, offer a glimpse into the projects of 22 artists. We invite you to join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday, September 11, 6–9pm, and for a hybrid Artist Talk on Saturday, September 13, 12–2pm. Full programming details and participating artists will be announced in the coming weeks. We hope you’ll join us in experiencing this vital moment of creativity amidst impossible conditions.