Call for Exclusion of Israeli Pavilion from Venice Biennale Met with Resistance – Sky Bulletin
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In the wake of the conflict in Gaza, an open letter has amassed over 17,000 signatures—including those of artists and prestigious Turner Prize laureates—pleading with the esteemed Venice Biennale to remove Israel’s national pavilion from its upcoming art fair. However, Italy’s Minister of Culture firmly maintains Israel’s right to exhibit.
Despite multiple signatories, the Israeli Culture Ministry has yet to respond publicly.
Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano has come forth in staunch support of Israel stating, “Israel has more than just the right; it has the responsibility to showcase its arts and share the narrative of its people, especially now when it faces attacks from brutal terrorists.”
The petition was initiated by the “Art Not Genocide Alliance,” highlighting the historical precedence of the Venice Biennale’s stance against South Africa’s apartheid state from 1950-1968, and the continued support for Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion. Despite such actions, signatories express dismay at the Biennale’s lack of action regarding “Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians.”
Notable signatories include Turner Prize winner Jesse Darling and Palestine Museum US director Faisal Saleh, who mentioned a recent rejection of his proposed exhibit for the current Biennale. With 88 nations participating, the 2023 Biennale show in the Israeli Pavilion titled “Motherland” features works by artist Ruth Patir.
Despite the controversy, Palestinian artists will be present at the Biennale, taking part in both collateral events and the main exhibition, “Foreigners Everywhere,” under the curation of Adriano Pedrosa.
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This reporting was supplemented by contributions from Associated Press journalist Julia Frankel based in Jerusalem.
FAQ Section
What is the Venice Biennale?
The Venice Biennale is a globally renowned art exhibition held biennially in Venice, Italy. It showcases contemporary art from national pavilions and includes film, architecture, and dance festivals as well.
Why do the petitioners want to exclude Israel from the Venice Biennale?
The petitioners argue that the Venice Biennale should exclude Israel’s national pavilion in response to the country’s actions towards Palestinians, drawing a parallel to the Biennale’s historical exclusion of South Africa during apartheid and its current support of Ukraine.
Who has signed the open letter calling for Israel’s exclusion?
Over 17,000 individuals have signed, including artists who have previously participated in the Biennale, as well as recipients of the Turner Prize, a prestigious British visual arts award.
How has Italy’s Culture Minister responded to the call to exclude Israel?
Italy’s Culture Minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, has expressed solidarity with Israel, emphasizing the country’s right and duty to partake in the Venice Biennale, particularly in the face of terrorism.
Are Palestinian artists participating in the Venice Biennale?
Yes, Palestinian artists will participate in side events and within the main exhibition curated by Adriano Pedrosa.
Conclusion
The Venice Biennale remains a platform for political and cultural discourse, as evidenced by the recent call to exclude the Israeli pavilion and Italy’s subsequent defense of its inclusion. This tension underscores the broader complexities of global art events in politically charged environments. Despite the friction, the Biennale continues to host a diverse range of artists and viewpoints, reflecting the intricacies of contemporary geopolitics within the arena of cultural expression.
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