Gulf Labor Coalition and G.U.L.F. stage protest at Venice Biennale, occupy Israeli Pavilion
On August 2, 2015, the Gulf Labor Coalition and G.U.L.F. (Global Ultra Luxury Faction) protested at the Venice Biennale to spotlight the harsh realities faced by migrant workers in Gulf nations and Palestinian workers in the West Bank. The demonstration kicked off with G.U.L.F. members using the iconic 'Handala' image, created by the late cartoonist Naji Salim al-Ali, to decorate Gulf Labor's banner inside the Arsenale hall. Following a panel on migration hosted by Gulf Labor, artists and activists took over the Israeli pavilion to discuss issues like BDS and PACBI, criticizing the art community's apathy. Gulf Labor's participation in the Biennale added significant importance to their message, which was covered by Hyperallergic and featured in ArtReview's Venice Questionnaire with Israel's representative, Tsibi Geva.
Key facts
- Protest occurred on 2 August 2015 at the Venice Biennale
- Gulf Labor Coalition and G.U.L.F. collaborated on the actions
- Focus was on migrant labor in Gulf nations and Palestinian workers in the West Bank
- G.U.L.F. stenciled 'Handala' on Gulf Labor's banner in the Arsenale
- Handala is a symbol created by Palestinian cartoonist Naji Salim al-Ali
- Protest included occupation of the Israeli pavilion and discussions on BDS and PACBI
- Gulf Labor is an official participant in the 2015 Venice Biennale
- ArtReview published a Venice Questionnaire with Tsibi Geva, Israel's representative
Entities
Artists
- Naji Salim al-Ali
- Tsibi Geva
Institutions
- Gulf Labor Coalition
- G.U.L.F. (Global Ultra Luxury Faction)
- Venice Biennale
- Hyperallergic
- ArtReview
- Israeli pavilion
- Arsenale
- BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions)
- PACBI (Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel)
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Gulf nations
- West Bank
- Israel