Israel Pavilion at Venice Biennale Remains Closed Until Hostage Release
The Israel Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale remains closed until a ceasefire and hostage release agreement is reached, a decision made by curators Mira Lapidot and Tamar Margalit and artist Ruth Patir. The pavilion is physically present at the Giardini dell'Arsenale with the project (M)otherland fully installed, but the doors are shut. Patir, who opposes cultural boycott in principle, stated she cannot present work about vulnerability while life is disrespected. The closure follows earlier calls by the Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) to exclude Israel, rejected by Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano and Biennale procedures. Patir expressed hope the pavilion might open before November 24.
Key facts
- Israel Pavilion at 60th Venice Biennale is closed until ceasefire and hostage release.
- Curators Mira Lapidot and Tamar Margalit and artist Ruth Patir made the decision.
- Project (M)otherland is fully installed inside but not accessible.
- Ruth Patir opposes cultural boycott but feels unable to present work now.
- Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) had earlier called for Israel's exclusion.
- Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano rejected the boycott call.
- Biennale procedures prevent exclusion of recognized countries.
- Patir hopes to open before November 24.
Entities
Artists
- Ruth Patir
Institutions
- Israel Pavilion
- Venice Biennale
- Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA)
- Artribune
- New York Times
- Ansa
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Giardini dell'Arsenale
- Gaza