Stories from Venice · Italy

A group issued a statement withdrawing from awards consideration at this year's Biennale. This move is in solidarity with the awards jury, which recently resigned en masse.

The Syria pavilion at the Venice Biennale has a very different feel, following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship in December 2024. The world's largest contemporary art exhibition opened today in Venice, Italy. A speaker highlighted the personal importance of a Palmyran tomb, noting its presence in the National Museum of Damascus and how it served as an inspiration for their art. A painting inspired by a tower tomb is being placed inside the exhibit. Some view art as an act of peace, while others find the situation unacceptable, creating a 'kind of war' around the event. The Venice Biennale this year is noted for featuring a amount of political content. Art collective Pussy Riot stormed the Russian pavilion in bright pink balaclavas earlier in the week.

A traveler reported observing Chinese BYD electric vehicles in European cities, including Venice, Florence, and Nice. These vehicles were noted alongside Teslas, which are used for taxis and private transport. The BYD models were described as 'bigger cars' by the observer.

Russian Pussy Riot and feminist activists, joined by Ukrainian women, staged a 'lively and creative incursion' against art perceived to be serving the Russian regime. This event occurred during what was described as 'today's inauguration'.

Various radical associations protested at the Biennale following a march and strike organized by ANGA, the Alliance of Artists Against Genocide. These associations demanded the immediate closure of the Israel pavilion.

Large protests have occurred against Russia's participation in the Art Biennale in Venice.

The Ukrainian pavilion, created by artist and sculptor Zhanna Kadyrova, addresses the issue of geopolitical guarantees and nuclear disarmament for Ukraine. The installation was implemented in two locations. A guest from Venice is expected to discuss the pavilion further.

The Biennale, described as a large and prestigious art festival, is currently hosting demonstrators.

The South African Pavilion at the Biennale remained empty this time. This was due to the South African Ministry of Culture intervening and not wanting to show the work of South African artist Gabrielle Goliath in its intended form.

Gravestones of Soviet soldiers at the central cemetery in Venice were damaged on the eve of Victory Day.