Several Venice Biennale Pavilions Shut in Protest Over Inclusion of Israel
About a dozen pavilions affected, while some artists backed strike by adding Palestine references to their work
TL;DR
- Several Venice Biennale pavilions closed on the last day of preview due to a strike protesting Israel's inclusion.
- The Art Not Genocide Alliance organized the strike, aiming to have Israel barred from the event.
- About a dozen pavilions participated in the strike, with some remaining closed all day.
- Some artists supported the strike by adding references to Palestine to their work, including hanging Palestinian flags.
- Previous protests at the biennale include Pussy Riot's demonstration and a jury resignation.
- Historical protests at the Venice Biennale in 1968 and 1970 led to the cancellation or suspension of awards.