Authorities successfully barred demonstrators from accessing Russia’s pavilion at the distinguished Venice Biennale art exhibition.
Among those protesting were members of the Russian punk collective Pussy Riot, known for their long-standing opposition to the Kremlin’s political repression.
The Biennale has justified Russia’s involvement, asserting that any nation with diplomatic ties to Italy is eligible for participation.
Protesters, including Pussy Riot and representatives from the Ukrainian feminist group FEMEN, attempted to disrupt the opening of the Russian pavilion. They voiced slogans like “Russia’s art is blood” and “Disobey,” while clouds of pink, blue, and yellow smoke enveloped the scene. The activists donned pink balaclavas as they rushed toward the exhibition area in Giardini.
Italian police intervened, preventing the protesters from entering the pavilion, which was sealed off for approximately half an hour.
This event marks Russia’s inaugural participation in the international arts festival since its extensive military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response, the European Union has withdrawn a €2 million ($3.2 million) grant to the Biennale as a form of protest.
Nadya Tolokonnikova, the founder of Pussy Riot, expressed that only the work of dissident artists facing imprisonment for often absurd reasons should represent Russian art. “Those individuals create art, and I want that art to reflect Russia, as they depict the true essence of the country,” she remarked.
Last week, the jury responsible for awarding the esteemed Golden Lion prizes resigned in protest against the participation of Russia and Israel. They stated that they would not bestow awards upon nations being investigated by the International Criminal Court for human rights violations, effectively isolating these two countries.
Russia’s pavilion, which will showcase a series of musical performances in its lower level, is set to remain open only during the first week of previews leading up to the official Biennale opening on May 9.
Ms. Tolokonnikova noted that her attempts to reach out to the Biennale organizers were unsuccessful, and she had to use a false identity to gain entry into the Giardini venue.
The Biennale has reiterated its stance on Russia’s participation, emphasizing that any nation with relations to Italy is welcome to partake. The Italian government has expressed opposition to this decision while recognizing the autonomy of the Biennale.
