Scotland + Venice can now reveal the first in a chaptered series of films by Nat McGowan that offer insight into the journey to La Biennale di Venezia. In this first film, we hear directly from the artists, delving into the exhibition they will present in Venice and the key themes explored.

For the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in 2026, Bugarin + Castle are to represent Scotland, in a project curated by Mount Stuart Trust and commissioned by Scotland + Venice. Bugarin + Castle’s commission is a multi-layered new project that uses the concept of the parade as a lens to explore complex emotional legacies of shame, sound and voice.

Scotland + Venice is a major international project designed to promote the best of contemporary art and architecture from Scotland on the world stage. Founded in 2003 the project supports the development of new work, fosters international connections and exchange, and positions Scotland as a vibrant place for creative and cultural connection.

Film credits

With thanks to:- Simon Harlow and Lewis Harley (Mirrl); Francesco Bacci, Giuseppe Malerbi and Roberto Gelli; Colin McDougall and Simon Richardson (residence of the Chalet); and Hannah Brocklehurst (National Galleries of Scotland).

Film by Nat McGowan | Second Camera: Jen Martin | Titles: Tangent

Titles audio: Soundtrack by Ken Santos for Bugarin + Castle, Submit to Sound, 2026, Moving Image, Courtesy the Artists and Scotland + Venice © Bugarin + Castle

Film © Scotland + Venice 2026

Artworks featured

Bugarin + Castle, At Certayne Tymes, 2026 (Elements in fabrication), Courtesy the Artists and Scotland + Venice © Bugarin + Castle

Bugarin + Castle, Set Upon, 2026, Digital Image, Courtesy the Artists and Scotland + Venice © Bugarin + Castle

Bugarin + Castle, Submit to Sound, 2026 (Extract), Film. Courtesy the Artists and Scotland + Venice © Bugarin + Castle

All other materials featured in the studio courtesy the Artists and Scotland + Venice © Bugarin + Castle

William Hogarth, A Harlot’s Progress, Plate 1, 1732. National Galleries of Scotland collection. Photo, National Galleries of Scotland.

William Hogarth, A Rake’s Progress, Plate 3, 1735. National Galleries of Scotland collection. Photo, National Galleries of Scotland.

William Hogarth, Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler’s ‘Hudibras’: Hudibras and the Skimmington, published 1725 – 1726. National Galleries of Scotland collection. Photo, National Galleries of Scotland.

William Hogarth, The Laughing Audience (or A Pleased Audience), 1733. National Galleries of Scotland collection. Photo, National Galleries of Scotland.

After William Hogarth (1697 – 1764), William Hogarth, 1687 – 1764. Painter and engraver, 1750. National Galleries of Scotland collection. Photo, National Galleries of Scotland.

Visit the exhibition in Venice

Olivolo, Castello 59/C 30122, Venice. Map link.

Saturday 9 May to Sunday 22 November 2026