Israel Condemns Venice Biennale Jury for Excluding Pavilion from Prizes
On April 27, the Israeli foreign ministry expressed strong disapproval of the Venice Biennale’s international jury, which decided to omit both Israeli and Russian pavilions from its awards. They called this move "a contamination of the art world." The all-female jury, featuring members like Solange Farkas and Zoe Butt, stated they would not acknowledge countries whose leaders are facing accusations of crimes against humanity, indirectly targeting Israel and Russia. This action came after over 70 artists signed an open letter, alongside petitions from the Art Not Genocide Alliance seeking to exclude these nations. Israel’s representative, Belu-Simion Fainaru, condemned the ruling as creating a "hostile and degrading environment." The Biennale is set to take place from May 9 to November 22.
Key facts
- Israel's foreign ministry criticized the Venice Biennale jury for excluding the Israeli pavilion from prizes.
- The statement was posted on X on April 27, calling the boycott 'a contamination of the art world.'
- The all-women awards jury includes Solange Farkas, Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi.
- The jury will not consider countries whose leaders are charged with crimes against humanity by the ICC.
- This implicitly targets Israel and Russia.
- An open letter signed by over 70 participants and petitions by Art Not Genocide Alliance called for barring Israel, Russia, and the US.
- Israeli representative Belu-Simion Fainaru said the decision 'creates a hostile and degrading environment' and exceeds the jury's mandate.
- Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco insists the exhibition must be open to all countries recognized by Italy.
- The 61st Venice Biennale runs from May 9 to November 22.
Entities
Artists
- Belu-Simion Fainaru
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- International Criminal Court
- Art Not Genocide Alliance
- ArtAsiaPacific
- ARTnews
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Venice
- Italy