Pussy Riot protest at Venice Biennale forces Russian pavilion to close
On Wednesday, Pussy Riot, under the leadership of Nadya Tolokonnikova, disrupted the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Approximately 40 activists, including members of Femen, donned pink balaclavas, ignited flares, and chanted phrases such as "Blood is Russia's Art." Although they tried to enter the pavilion, police prevented their access. Tolokonnikova condemned the pavilion's celebratory atmosphere and called on biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco to "stop taking Russian money." The European Commission cautioned Italy against permitting Russia's delegation due to EU sanctions. Previously, the Golden Lion jury stepped down over fears of personal liability concerning Israel. In response, the Art Not Genocide Alliance protested outside the Israeli pavilion, with a larger demonstration planned for Friday.
Key facts
- Pussy Riot protest forced Russian pavilion at Venice Biennale to close temporarily on second day of preview.
- About 40 activists, including Femen members, wore pink balaclavas, lit flares, played punk music, and shouted slogans.
- Nadya Tolokonnikova led the protest and pleaded with biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco to stop taking Russian money.
- Pussy Riot offered to curate the 2028 Russian pavilion with work by imprisoned artists.
- European Commission told Italy that allowing Russian delegation would breach EU sanctions.
- Golden Lion jury resigned en masse over entries from countries with leaders under international arrest warrants (Russia, Israel).
- Biennale confirmed jury resigned after being warned of personal legal liability if Israel pursued action.
- Art Not Genocide Alliance (Anga) demonstrated outside Israeli pavilion; over 200 participants signed letter demanding its cancellation.
- Larger protest expected on Friday with Italian labor unions, curators, and nearly 20 artists.
- No arrests were made during the Pussy Riot protest.
Entities
Artists
- Nadya Tolokonnikova
- Lubaina Himid
- Augusto Pinochet
Institutions
- Pussy Riot
- Femen
- Venice Biennale
- Russian pavilion
- European Commission
- Italian government
- Financial Times
- British Council
- Department of Media, Culture and Sport
- Art Not Genocide Alliance (Anga)
- Israeli pavilion
- Israel's foreign ministry
- The Guardian
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Israel
- Gaza
- Chile
- United States
- Vietnam