Opening Reception for Gaza Biennale New York Pavilion

Recess is honored to be the first North American site hosting the Gaza Biennale, a global exhibition shaped by Palestinian artists who have been creating throughout the genocidal siege in Gaza. Even in this time of catastrophic 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–the New York Pavilion of this artist-initiated Biennale brings together a vast grouping of artworks that speak across borders and conditions of constraint. Launched in 2024 by the Forbidden Museum of Jabal Al Risan, Palestine, and artists working in and beyond Gaza, the Gaza Biennale is a decentralized exhibition taking place in cities around the world. The Biennale is the artistic expression of a global and people-led movement, a movement that rejects antipathy towards Palestinian life.

The New York Pavilion presented at Recess offers 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 calamity.