JKON 2026

Junge Kunst Olten (JKON) is a non-profit platform for emerging artists from across Switzerland. With an annual exhibition in the city of Olten, it supports artists between the ages of 18 and 35, actively contributing to the discourse on art and its role in society.

For the 11th edition, we invite submissions for a curated group exhibition. Under the title "Transit", the exhibition explores transitions and processes of change. In line with the theme, this year’s exhibition will take place in a temporary-use space.

Transit describes the in-between: a suspended moment between movement and stillness, departure and arrival, between places, times, or inner and outer states. We are seeking artistic positions that engage with social, emotional, or physical transformations. The focus lies on the ephemeral and the non-binding, on passing through or lingering within transition.

JKON 2026 will take place from 21st to 29th August 2026 at Solothurnerstrasse 40 in Olten.

The following artists will be exhibiting at JKON 2026:

Lisa Mark, Sophie Schüpbach, Tim Rod, Zeno Germinale, Sophia von Ballmoos, Lily Pellaud, Tatsuki Browne, Paula Beck, Janik Bürgin, Damien Risse, Stéphane Nabil Petitmermet, Elio Müller, Svenja Gansner, Yulia Parfenova, Nicolle Bussien, Lyna & Alessandro

Opening Hours and Program:

The opening reception will take place on 21 August 2026 at 7:15 PM, and the closing event on 29 August 2026 at 5:15 PM.

21 August 2026: Opening reception at 7:15 PM
22 August 2026: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
23 August 2026: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
24 August 2026: Closed
25 August 2026: Closed
26 August 2026: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
27 August 2026: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM; guided tour with participating artists from 7:15 PM
28 August 2026: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
29 August 2026: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; closing event at 5:15 PM