Russia Withdraws from Venice Biennale as Artists Protest Ukraine Invasion
In response to the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has withdrawn from the Venice Biennale, following the resignation of pavilion curator Raimundas Malašauskas and artists Kirill Savchenkow and Alexandra Sukhareva. The pavilion will not be replaced and will remain closed. Additionally, Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson has canceled his exhibition at the V-A-C Foundation in Moscow, which is backed by oligarch Leonid Mikhelson. The Garage Museum, owned by Roman Abramovich and Dasha Zhukova, has suspended its programming, putting a stop to shows by Pawel Althamer, Saodat Ismailova, Anne Imhof, and Helen Marten. Furthermore, the Calvert Journal has announced an indefinite halt to its publication. Phillips auction house CEO Stephen Brooks has denounced the invasion.
Key facts
- Russia cancelled participation in Venice Biennale after curator and artists withdrew.
- Raimundas Malašauskas, Kirill Savchenkow, and Alexandra Sukhareva pulled out over Ukraine invasion.
- Ragnar Kjartansson cancelled his show at V-A-C Foundation in Moscow.
- V-A-C Foundation is funded by oligarch Leonid Mikhelson, tied to Putin.
- Garage Museum paused its programme, halting shows by multiple artists.
- The Calvert Journal ceased publication until further notice.
- Phillips auction house CEO Stephen Brooks condemned the invasion.
- Abramovich reported flying to Belarus for peace negotiations.
Entities
Artists
- Raimundas Malašauskas
- Kirill Savchenkow
- Alexandra Sukhareva
- Ragnar Kjartansson
- Pawel Althamer
- Saodat Ismailova
- Anne Imhof
- Helen Marten
- Nadia Beard
- Nonna Materkova
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Russian Pavilion
- V-A-C Foundation
- GES-2 House of Culture
- Garage Museum
- Calvert Journal
- Calvert 22 Foundation
- Phillips auction house
- Mercury Group
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Moscow
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Belarus
- London
- United Kingdom