Historic Strike Disrupts Venice Biennale as Thousands March

On May 8, 2026, a 24-hour strike led by the Art Not Genocide Alliance along with local activist groups resulted in the closure of numerous national pavilions at the Venice Biennale. Thousands took to the streets of Venice advocating for Palestinian rights and labor rights, while Italian police confronted the demonstrators. Palestinian flags adorned various artworks. Reporting live, Editor-in-Chief Hakim Bishara noted this event as the first cultural strike in the Biennale's 131-year history. Meanwhile, a nesting seagull near the closed Polish pavilion drew unexpected attention. The LA Art Book Fair, evaluated by Matt Stromberg, showcased zines and monographs, while Dan Schindel reviewed a documentary about Mierle Laderman Ukeles. John Yau critiqued Mary Frank's sculptures, and Brenda Zlamany painted in her ancestral Italian village. A comment from a member critiqued the exhibition at the US Pavilion.