Cesar Chavez Mural Removed Amid Allegations, Venice Mayor Issues Warning to Russian Biennale Pavilion
A mural honoring labor leader Cesar Chavez was painted over in San Francisco's Mission District on March 19, 2026, following sexual abuse allegations against him. Building owner Richard Segovia and artist Carlos 'Kookie' Gonzalez participated in the removal. Separately, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro warned that Russia's pavilion at the Venice Biennale would be closed if it engages in propaganda, while emphasizing the event's role in cultural dialogue. Russia is returning to the biennale for the first time since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with a program featuring folklore and world music curated by Mikhail Shvydkoy. The announcement has caused disagreement between Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli and Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco.
Key facts
- A mural of Cesar Chavez was painted over in San Francisco on March 19, 2026, due to sexual abuse allegations.
- The mural was located at the Latin Rock Music House in the Mission District.
- Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro warned Russia's Venice Biennale pavilion against propaganda, threatening closure.
- Russia is returning to the Venice Biennale for the first time since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- The Russian pavilion's program includes folklore and world music, curated by Mikhail Shvydkoy.
Entities
Artists
- Carlos 'Kookie' Gonzalez
Institutions
- Latin Rock Music House
- Venice Biennale
Locations
- San Francisco
- Mission District
- Venice
- Russia
- Ukraine
Sources
- ARTnews —