Controversy Surrounds Russia’s Participation in the Venice Biennale
The presentation of the Italian Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, set to open on May 9th, has reignited the debate over Russia’s participation in the event. The controversy has been ongoing, with Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli and president of the La Biennale di Venezia Foundation Pietrangelo Buttafuoco holding differing opinions on the matter. Meanwhile, European chancelleries have mobilized, with 22 countries, including Ukraine, signing a letter to invite the Biennale management to “reconsider the participation of the Russian Federation” due to the current circumstances.
International Opposition to Russia’s Participation
The European Commission has also condemned Moscow’s presence, stating that it is ready to examine “further actions, including the suspension or termination of an ongoing EU grant to the Biennale Foundation.” The letter from the 22 ministers does not bear the signature of Italy, the host country, but Giuli has reiterated the executive’s clear opposition to Russia’s participation. In a video message, Giuli emphasized that “the art of an autocracy is free only to the extent that it is dissident with respect to that autocracy,” highlighting the concerns over Russia’s involvement in the Biennale.
Response from the Biennale Foundation
Buttafuoco has responded to the criticisms, thanking Giuli for his statement and emphasizing the autonomy of the Biennale Foundation. He stated that the diversity of positions, dictated by rules, procedures, and laws, proclaims the institution’s autonomy and commitment to avoiding closure and censorship. The Italian Pavilion, curated by Cecilia Canziani, is a “call to rally” and an opportunity to rethink existence through matter, relationship, listening, and collaboration.
Concerns Over Russia’s Use of Soft Power
The European ministers share concerns over the significant risk of “exploitation” by Moscow, which may use the Biennale as an opportunity to project an image of legitimacy and international acceptance, contradicting the reality of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and the destruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage. The Russian feminist collective Pussy Riot has announced plans to protest, shouting “expect resistance.” The Italian exhibition, ‘Con te Con tutto’, aims to promote a message of unity and collaboration, with curator Cecilia Canziani describing it as a unique installation that involves the entire Pavilion and imagines it as a landscape in transformation.
Clarification on the Italian Pavilion
Buttafuoco has also addressed the controversy surrounding the absence of Italian artists in the exhibition, explaining that the Italian Pavilion is the flagship of an institution that has excelled on the international scene for 130 years. He emphasized that the reason for the absence is due to the circumstances, including the death of the artistic curator, Koyo Kouoh, and that the Italian Pavilion confirms the common sensitivity with ‘In Minor Keys’, the title proposed by Kouoh. The curator, Cecilia Canziani, has described ‘Con te Con tutto’ as a unique installation that involves the entire Pavilion and imagines it as a landscape in transformation, with artist Chiara Camoni’s reflection on sculpture characterized by the recovery of traditional materials and forms that narrate the hybridization between the animal, human, and sacred worlds.
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