Artist “Florentina Holzinger” Goes Naked, Dangling Upside Down From The Austrian Pavilion Bell

A provocative new performance at the 61st Venice Biennale 2026 is turning heads and sparking intense debate online. In a striking video from the Austrian Pavilion, artist Florentina Holzinger (or a performer in her work) hangs upside down, nearly nude, inside a giant bronze bell. Using her body as a living clapper, she swings back and forth, striking the metal with her chest to produce deep, resonant tolls.

This powerful act forms part of Holzinger’s immersive installation SEAWORLD VENICE, which transforms the Austrian Pavilion into a dystopian warning about climate collapse. The ringing bell symbolizes an apocalyptic alert — literally tolling for the rising floods threatening Venice and the planet.