Ukrainian and Palestinian Solidarity Mark Venice Biennale Amid Ongoing Conflicts

The 60th Venice Biennale is heavily marked by the ongoing war in Ukraine, with the conflict's presence paralleling the heavily mediatized Israel-Hamas war. Throughout the city, red fly posters direct pedestrians to the nearest bomb shelter, which a map indicates is located close to the Ukrainian pavilion. These informational signs compete for attention with Palestinian solidarity posters declaring "No Genocide Pavilion." While an exhibition has been installed in the Israeli pavilion, a sign informs visitors that it will remain closed pending further developments. The situation reflects the continued prominence of the Ukrainian conflict at the Biennale, mirroring its impact during the previous edition. The juxtaposition of these urgent political messages creates a charged atmosphere within the event's physical spaces.