Maja Malou Lyse, Things To Come (2026)

The Danish artist Maja Malou Lyse, renowned for her provocative explorations of sexuality, technology, and societal anxieties, is set to unveil her ambitious new exhibition, "Things To Come," at the prestigious Danish Pavilion during the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Scheduled to run from May 9 to November 22, 2026, the exhibition delves into a near-future scenario where virtual reality pornography becomes an unlikely savior for humanity amidst a global fertility crisis.

Lyse, speaking from an elegant palazzo in Venice, described the genesis of her project, which began with an unexpected proposition from the owner of Cryos International, the world’s largest sperm bank, located in her hometown in Denmark. "He told me, ‘I have 20 litres of sperm that I really want to give to an artist, and you seem like the right person to call’," Lyse recounted. While initially taken aback by the offer, an experience that she described as highlighting the stark contrast between the sterile scientific environment of the sperm bank and its inherent erotic undertones, the encounter ultimately sparked a profound artistic inquiry. The donation itself was never utilized by Lyse, but her visit laid the groundwork for "Things To Come."

The Unforeseen Catalyst: A Sperm Bank Visit and Scientific Revelation

Lyse’s visit to Cryos International offered a potent juxtaposition. She painted a vivid picture of the facility: "There’s the donation booth, which is this dark little room with a leather couch and a screen, automatically [showing] Pornhub. Then, on the other side of a very thin wall is this big laboratory, with workers in lab coats, long gloves, and goggles. They’re opening cryotanks and steam is coming out like in a bad sci-fi movie." This stark visual and conceptual divide between private consumption and public scientific endeavor became a key element of her artistic investigation.

The direct inspiration for "Things To Come" emerged from a scientific study Lyse encountered, which linked the consumption of virtual reality (VR) pornography to increased sperm motility. This seemingly niche finding became the cornerstone of her exhibition, which imagines a future where a drastic decline in global sperm counts and a widespread male fertility crisis have pushed humanity to the brink of extinction. In this fictional world, VR porn, rather than being a subject of moral debate, emerges as a critical tool for species survival.

A "Bimbo Sci-Fi" Vision: Pornography as a Toxin and Antidote

Curated by the esteemed Chus Martinez, "Things To Come" is characterized by Lyse as a "bimbo sci-fi" narrative. This term, she explains, encapsulates her exploration of the complex and often contradictory roles of pornography and its associated technologies in society. "Porn – and the technology used to consume it – is both ‘toxin and antidote’ in Lyse’s imaginary future," the artist stated. The exhibition probes the blurred lines between scientific rationalism, evolving gender politics, and the pervasive influence of erotic content.

While not hard science fiction in the traditional sense, the exhibition extrapolates current biological anxieties and proposes a speculative solution. Lyse draws a parallel between the sci-fi genre and human attempts to grapple with the unknown. "The sci-fi cinema tradition is humans trying to aestheticise their fear of the unknown," she observed. "We use images to try to control the narrative when things are, in reality, out of our control."

Shifting Power Dynamics: The Rise of Porn Stars

In the world Lyse constructs, the male fertility crisis precipitates a dramatic shift in societal power dynamics. Pornographic actors, once on the fringes of mainstream society, ascend to positions of "extreme authority." They become the gatekeepers of futuristic sperm banks, holding the key to humanity’s continued existence. This scenario places them in a position of immense influence, largely indifferent to the moral quandaries that might plague others.

The exhibition is brought to life through large-scale screens strategically placed within the Danish Pavilion’s architecture, offering diverse perspectives from individuals working within these fictional facilities. Viewers are left to contemplate whether this future represents a utopia, a dystopia, or a complex in-between. Lyse herself acknowledges the unsettling nature of her premise: "Do I want to live in a world where VR porn saves humanity? No. That doesn’t feel very utopian to me. That sounds terrifying. But I like the idea of porn stars ruling the world."

Behind the Scenes: Production and Artistic Choices

The film component of "Things To Come" was partly shot during the Christmas season in a laboratory belonging to the Danish cryosperm bank in Orlando, Florida. The project features prominent adult film actors, including Nicolette Shea, described by Lyse as a "major icon" in the industry, alongside Kira Noir, Abigail Morris, and Kayley Gunner, who represent a "new generation" of performers.

The decision to cast real, mainstream porn actors was integral to Lyse’s vision from the outset. Her initial encounter with Nicolette Shea at the AVN Awards in Las Vegas proved pivotal. "I totally connected with Shea, and was obsessed with her," Lyse admitted. "She’s so camp, and so tall, and her personality is so big, and her ass is so big." This personal connection and Shea’s larger-than-life persona clearly informed the casting and the artistic direction.

The production also involved collaboration with DIS, a collective known for its work at the intersection of art, culture, and technology. The exhibition incorporates unexpected musical elements and features a model who serves to subvert the traditional male gaze inherent in much of mainstream pornography. Lyse emphasized her commitment to exploring feminist perspectives within the broader discourse on pornography. "It’s important to me that feminist porn is part of the movement," she stated. However, she also expressed a nuanced view on the artist’s role in disrupting established industries: "I don’t feel like I’m in a position to change or disrupt porn. I know we have this idea that artists can change the world, but unfortunately I really don’t think we hold that power. Also, I’m not entitled to disrupt the porn industry. I’m not part of it."

Venice Biennale: A Platform for Provocation and Image Consumption

The choice of the Venice Biennale as the venue for "Things To Come" is highly deliberate. Lyse views the Biennale as an opportunity to introduce the "vulgar, extreme image consumption" prevalent in online pornography into the hallowed halls of the art world. She noted the stark contrast in audience reach: "We talk about Venice being the most-visited exhibition in the world. Maybe it has one million visitors over the course of several months. But that’s what porn sites get in ten minutes." While official figures for the 2024 Venice Biennale indicated 700,000 tickets sold, the disparity in immediate audience engagement remains significant.

Practical considerations also shaped the exhibition’s presentation. VR headsets were deemed impractical for the pavilion setting due to anticipated queues. Furthermore, Lyse consciously avoided explicit nudity or sexual acts in her film, opting for a "very conservative porn" aesthetic, if it can be classified as porn at all. This approach, she believes, steers clear of "empty provocations" and allows for a deeper engagement with the exhibition’s core themes.

The Power of Images in the Digital Age

"Things To Come" ultimately seeks to illuminate the profound influence of images on our perception of ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Lyse argues that mainstream porn stars are, in essence, the "ultimate embodiment" of this phenomenon. The exhibition prompts reflection on how images shape our desires and our understanding of sexuality, particularly in an era saturated with digital content.

Lyse highlighted the pervasive influence of the porn industry, stating, "The porn industry has written the scripts for a whole generation’s sexuality and desire. It’s such a powerful image system." She acknowledges that while VR porn may not literally "save the world," its impact on our visual culture is undeniable. The exhibition arrives at a critical juncture, a "tipping point where our relationship to images is being changed forever," as Lyse puts it. This includes the rise of internet memes, AI-generated content, and the ever-evolving landscape of online pornography.

While art may not possess the direct power to alter global realities, Lyse believes it is uniquely positioned to address these profound shifts in our perception and engagement with visual culture. "Things To Come" promises to be a thought-provoking and challenging exhibition, inviting audiences to confront the complex interplay of sex, technology, and the future of humanity.

The Danish Arts Foundation presents "Things To Come" at the Danish Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, from May 9 to November 22, 2026.