Sculptor Alma Allen Joins Perrotin Gallery Ahead of Venice Biennale

Allen will represent the U.S. at the prestigious art event after parting ways with previous galleries.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Sculptor Alma Allen has joined the Perrotin gallery as he prepares to represent the United States at the 2026 Venice Biennale. The announcement comes after Allen parted ways with his previous two galleries, Mendes Wood DM and Olney Gleason, following his selection for the prestigious Biennale commission.

Why it matters

Allen's move to Perrotin comes amid a challenging political climate for the arts in the U.S., with the government imposing restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion programming. The selection of Allen, known for his abstracted, biomorphic sculptures, to represent the U.S. at the Biennale is seen as a departure from the government's stated preference for art that "reflects and promotes American values."

The details

Born in Utah in 1970, Allen now lives in Tepozlán, Mexico and is known for his sculptures in stone, wood, and bronze. Though he has never had a major solo museum show, Allen is preparing to take over the U.S. pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale with an exhibition titled 'Alma Allen: Call Me the Breeze.' The exhibition will feature new and previous work, and is curated by Jeffrey Uslip and organized by the American Arts Conservancy.

  • In October 2025, Allen began talks with Perrotin's founder, Emmanuel Perrotin.
  • In November 2025, the announcement was made that Allen would represent the U.S. at the 2026 Venice Biennale.
  • Allen parted ways with his previous galleries, Mendes Wood DM and Olney Gleason, after being selected for the Biennale commission.

The players

Alma Allen

A sculptor known for his abstracted, biomorphic sculptures in stone, wood, and bronze. He will represent the U.S. at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

Emmanuel Perrotin

The founder of the Perrotin gallery, which has now signed Alma Allen as an artist.

Jeffrey Uslip

The curator of Alma Allen's exhibition at the U.S. pavilion in the 2026 Venice Biennale, and the former chief curator of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.

American Arts Conservancy

The organization that is organizing Alma Allen's exhibition at the U.S. pavilion in the 2026 Venice Biennale.

Mendes Wood DM

One of the previous galleries that represented Alma Allen, but dropped him after he accepted the invitation to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale.

Olney Gleason (formerly Kasmin Gallery)

Another previous gallery that represented Alma Allen, but dropped him after he accepted the invitation to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale.

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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.”

— Rowena Chiu, Director at Perrotin's London location (New York Times)

“Alma feels that art is something that should be able to transcend current politics.”

— Rowena Chiu, Director at Perrotin's London location (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Alma Allen's selection to represent the U.S. at the 2026 Venice Biennale, despite political pressure, highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and the government's push for art that aligns with its values. Allen's move to the Perrotin gallery suggests a desire to navigate this landscape and focus on his creative practice.