Pussy Riot protest at Venice Biennale forces Russian pavilion to briefly close
Demonstrators, angered by Russia’s inclusion at arts festival, shouted ‘Curated by Putin, dead bodies included’
TL;DR
- Pussy Riot staged a protest at the Russian pavilion of the Venice Biennale, forcing its temporary closure.
- Protesters used flares, punk music, and slogans like 'Blood is Russia’s Art' to demonstrate against Russia's inclusion.
- Activists called for an end to 'Russian propaganda' and suggested using the pavilion for imprisoned artists.
- The European Commission reportedly informed Italy that Russia's participation could breach EU sanctions.
- A diplomatic row has intensified over Russia's involvement in the biennale.
- The jury for the Golden Lion prizes resigned en masse due to concerns over excluding countries with international arrest warrants.
- The UK government did not send ministers to the biennale's opening due to Russian involvement.
- The Art Not Genocide Alliance (Anga) demonstrated outside the Israeli pavilion, protesting against Israel's inclusion over the war in Gaza.
- Protests and political statements have a history at the Venice Biennale, with past events addressing issues like the Vietnam War and the Pinochet dictatorship.