Venice Biennale president defends Russia pavilion readmission
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 6
Venice Biennale president defends Russia pavilion readmission
13 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 6
At Venice's International Art Exhibition, Brussels threatened to pull 2 million euros in funding, Italy sent inspectors, and Pussy Riot protested at the pavilion's reopening.
Pietrangelo Buttafuoco said the Biennale should foster dialogue and peace, not act as a court, after Russia returned for the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Because of EU sanctions, Russia can open only during four press-preview days; for the six-month show, visitors must watch videos projected onto the pavilion's exterior.
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With its jury gone and awards cancelled, has the Venice Biennale redefined how art confronts global politics?