Somalia's First Venice Biennale Pavilion Sparks Controversy Over Diaspora-Only Artist Selection

Somalia's debut at the Venice Biennale with the SADDEXLEEY pavilion has ignited criticism from local cultural organizations for excluding artists based in Somalia. The pavilion features exclusively diaspora artists: painter Ayan Farfah, poet-filmmaker Asmaa Jama, and writer Warsan Shire. The Somalia Arts Foundation (SAF) accused organizers of failing to consult local artists. Co-curator Fabio Scrivanti, an Italian graphic designer, faced scrutiny from Somali queer collective Warbixinta Cidda over colonial implications. SAF director Sagal Ali emphasized the need for dialogue with local artists. The pavilion was curated by Scrivanti with Mohamed Mire of Fotografiska Stockholm, and the official commission is led by Abdirahman Yusuf Mohamud, cultural advisor to Somalia's Prime Minister. The exhibition explores orality, displacement, and memory. Other critics include Arlo Art Space, Biciid, and Shineemo Banaadir. SAF alleged intimidation by pavilion organizers, who countered that local artist Abdinasir Abdikadir (4C) is involved in parallel events. Poet Ladan Osman publicly refused to visit the pavilion, citing bypassed selection protocols. The controversy unfolds amid broader protests at the Biennale over Israel's participation during the Gaza war.