Sculptor Alma Allen Joins Perrotin Gallery Ahead of Venice Biennale

Allen, chosen to represent the U.S. at the 2026 Venice Biennale, has signed with the blue-chip French gallery.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 2:54pm

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Alma Allen, the sculptor selected to represent the United States at the 2026 Venice Biennale, has joined Galerie Perrotin, a prominent French gallery with locations around the world. Allen, who is known for his large-scale sculptures in stone, wood, and bronze, was previously represented by other galleries that dropped him after he accepted the Biennale commission. Perrotin will provide logistical and operational support for Allen's exhibition at the U.S. Pavilion.

Why it matters

Allen's selection as the U.S. representative at the prestigious Venice Biennale is significant, as the artist has a relatively low profile compared to many artists chosen for the honor. His move to Perrotin, a major international gallery, suggests growing recognition for his work and the importance of the Biennale commission.

The details

Allen, who was born in 1970 and has been based in Tepoztlán, Mexico since 2017, is known for his large-scale abstract sculptures. Prior to joining Perrotin, he was represented by Olney Gleason and Mendes Wood DM, both of whom dropped him after he accepted the Biennale commission. Allen has also been represented by Blum & Poe and Kasmin in the past, but those galleries closed last year. Perrotin has said it will provide logistical and operational support for Allen's exhibition at the U.S. Pavilion.

  • Allen was selected to represent the U.S. at the 2026 Venice Biennale in November.
  • Allen joined Galerie Perrotin in March 2026.

The players

Alma Allen

A sculptor chosen to represent the United States at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

Galerie Perrotin

A prominent French gallery with locations around the world that has taken on Alma Allen as a represented artist.

Olney Gleason

A gallery that previously represented Alma Allen but dropped him after he accepted the Biennale commission.

Mendes Wood DM

A gallery that previously represented Alma Allen but dropped him after he accepted the Biennale commission.

Blum & Poe

A gallery that previously represented Alma Allen but closed last year.

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What they’re saying

“We see him as an artist who has had a quiet and consistent practice over many years. He comes from a family without means — he is a completely self-made person. He feels that art is something that should be able to transcend current politics.”

— Rowena Chiu, Director, Perrotin London

“I love the difficult context. Honestly, it makes the work more interesting. If I could choose, I would always find a bit of a fraught situation to do work in.”

— Alma Allen

What’s next

Allen's first show with Perrotin is scheduled for this fall in Paris.

The takeaway

Alma Allen's selection to represent the U.S. at the prestigious Venice Biennale, coupled with his new representation by the blue-chip Perrotin gallery, signals growing recognition for the artist's unique sculptural practice and his ability to thrive in challenging political contexts.