At the Venice Biennale I saw anger at Russia and Israel – and its leadership pretending everything was fine
The festival can often make you queasy, as geopolitics are played out through the proxy of art. This year it feels on the verge of collapsing in on itself
TL;DR
- Russia and Israel are participating in the Venice Biennale, drawing protests and criticism.
- The biennale's president, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, has supported their return, advocating for neutrality.
- Critics argue that the biennale's stance allows for propaganda and distracts from reality, such as the bombing of Kramatorsk.
- Ministers from Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and Baltic countries have spoken out against the inclusion of Russia.
- The biennale's awards jury resigned after pressure to retract their statement that they would refrain from considering countries accused of crimes against humanity.
- The article draws parallels between the current biennale structure and its origins under Mussolini, a focus for propaganda.
- The presence of these nations at the biennale is seen as an effort to gain legitimacy.