May 4–November 22, 2026
Fondamenta Diedo, Cannaregio 2386
Venice 30121
Italy
Curated by Mat Dryhurst, Holly Herndon, Hans Ulrich Obrist with Adriana Rispoli.
Featuring: Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Joshua Citarella, Primavera De Filippi, Simon Denny with Venkatesh Rao, Stephanie Dinkins, Fabien Giraud, Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst, Lynn Hershman Leeson, New Models, Ho Tzu Nyen, Ayoung Kim, Agnieszka Kurant, Michael Levin, Trevor Paglen, Philippe Parreno, Lorenzo Senni, Avery Singer, Ken Stanley, sub, terra0, He Zike
Strange Rules marks a significant evolution in Palazzo Diedo's mission to serve as a living site of contemporary production which brings the humanities and sciences together.
Strange Rules introduces the concept of Protocol Art, a practice that engages with the underlying rules that determine how culture is produced, distributed, and perceived in a digital age. These rules manifest as algorithms, AI models, platforms, technological infrastructure and social convention, hardening through use into the conditions of cultural life. Protocol Art operates at the level of the rule: not only analysing these systems, but seeding new ones. The protocol is not the subject of the art: it is the art. When the protocol is the art, the scientists and researchers authoring such rules become artists. Strange Rules invites them to participate as such.
The launch of Strange Rules inaugurates Palazzo Diedo, Venice, as the first space in Italy to foster a reflection on Protocol Art, positioning itself at the forefront of the debate regarding the relationship between art and technology.
Alongside the exhibition, a new publication will establish the first comprehensive account of Protocol Art as a field of practice. Research for this landmark volume will unfold throughout the duration of Strange Rules, with Palazzo Diedo serving as both exhibition site and working research environment.
The Ground Floor is designed with architecture studio sub. It presents new work by Mat Dryhurst and Holly Herndon, a new installation by Joshua Citarella and New Models, alongside the research on Planaria by biologist Michael Levin and the picbreeder by Ken Stanley plus a work by Agnieszka Kurant. This level will function as a vibrant hub for time-based interventions, including lectures, performances, and screenings. Visitors can also explore the unique installation that runs for the duration of the exhibition.
The courtyard presents a project by collective terra0 and a premiere from Ayoung Kim.
The First Floor presents a series of site-specific installations that expand on the themes of Protocol Art—creating a direct dialogue with the activations occurring on the ground floor—as well a new permanent commission to Philippe Parreno.
The Video Room on the second floor presents a screening of selected video works offering additional, distinctive perspectives on the relation between art and technology.
Strange Rules transforms the historic architecture of Palazzo Diedo into a dynamic laboratory of ideas and a vibrant space. This is brought to life by a series of live events running throughout the Biennale period, starting with Sougwen Chung, followed by Operator, Dustin Yellin, Hito Steyerl and John Chowning.
Schedule
Monday, May 4
5:30pm
Book launch
E.A.T. INDEX introduced by Hans Ulrich Obrist and contributors
7pm
Opening and cocktail reception
Tuesday, May 5
6pm
Book launch
Mark Alizart, Spectator No More: Artificial Intelligence and the broken promise of the avant-garde. A conversation between the author and Lorenzo Marsili
Wednesday, May 6
5pm
Sogwen Chung, lecture performance
5:30pm
Mini-marathon
Holly Herndon, Mat Dryhurst and Hans Ulrich Obrist in conversation with Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Joshua Citarella, Primavera de Filippi, Simon Denny, Fabien Giraud, Ayoung Kim, Agnieszka Kurant, New Models, Trevor Paglen, Lorenzo Senni, terra0
Saturday, May 9
6pm
Book party
What Is Universalism? and Homage to Alexander Kluge
A conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist and Lorenzo Marsili
