Anish Kapoor calls for US exclusion from Venice Biennale over 'politics of hate'

Anish Kapoor has called for the United States to be excluded from the Venice Biennale, citing its 'abhorrent politics of hate' and 'incessant warmongering.' Kapoor commended the five-member international jury that resigned in protest over the inclusion of Israel and Russia, but argued the US should also have been excluded. The US pavilion, featuring artist Alma Allen and curated by Jeffrey Uslip, has faced scrutiny due to perceived Trump administration interference and a requirement that works 'reflect and promote American values.' Allen's exhibition, 'Call Me the Breeze,' includes about 30 biomorphic sculptures. The Biennale faces additional controversies: over 200 participants signed a letter from the Art Not Genocide Alliance (Anga) demanding cancellation of the Israeli pavilion, with a strike planned for Friday. The Russian pavilion will not open to the public, though the installation is visible through windows. The Italian government opposed Russia's reintroduction, and the European Commission threatened to suspend a €2m grant due to Russia's involvement. Kapoor, who has a concurrent show in Venice, previously clashed with the Trump administration over use of his 'Cloud Gate' sculpture.