The 61st Venice Biennale has commenced under a pall of political unease and artistic protest, marking a turbulent beginning to one of the art world’s most anticipated events. Curatorial decisions and international tensions have overshadowed the celebration, with artists and pavilions entangled in a web of controversy and public dissent.
A Tribute Amidst Turmoil
As the rain fell on the Italian city, the British pavilion showcased the work of Lubaina Himid, a powerful tribute to the country’s colonial legacy through her large-scale paintings and an evocative sound collage, aptly evoking a “perfect British summer’s day”. However, just a short walk from this celebration of heritage was the stark contrast of the Russian pavilion, alive with techno beats and the clinking of prosecco glasses, a spectacle that drew ire due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Despite mounting pressure for Russia’s exclusion from the Biennale, the pavilion opened its doors after being absent from the last two editions due to backlash over its conflict in Ukraine. However, the Italian Ministry of Culture announced that it would remain closed to the public, with only glimpses of its floral sculptures visible through the windows. Tetyana Berezhna, Ukraine’s culture minister, labelled this decision a “meaningful step” but emphasized that even this limited presence was significant. “Cultural platforms shape global perception,” she asserted, highlighting the importance of representation in the arts.
Protests and Resignations
The Biennale’s opening was marred by the mass resignation of the jury responsible for awarding the prestigious Golden Lion prizes. The jury’s exit came in protest against the inclusion of countries whose leaders are subject to international arrest warrants, notably Israel and Russia. This walkout has raised questions about the legitimacy of the event and the criteria upon which artistic merit is judged in the current geopolitical climate.
In a show of solidarity, around 60 artists participated in a protest titled the Solidarity Drone Chorus, marching through the lush Giardini gardens humming a symbolic tune to voice their dissent against Israel’s participation. An open letter, signed by over 200 artists, including notable figures like Himid and Alfredo Jaar, demanded the cancellation of the Israeli pavilion, illustrating the deep divisions within the art community.
Remembering Koyo Kouoh
This year’s Biennale is particularly poignant as it unfolds in the absence of its curator, Koyo Kouoh, who passed away in May 2025. Kouoh’s vision was carried forth by a dedicated curatorial team, consisting of Marie Hélène Pereira, Rasha Salti, Gabe Beckhurst Feijoo, Rory Tsapayi, and Siddhartha Mitter. They have ensured that her influence remains palpable throughout the exhibition, including a striking mural by Derrick Adams that pays homage to Kouoh at the entrance of the Arsenale, one of the event’s key locations.
When asked about the jury’s controversial resignation, Mitter expressed full respect for their stance but refrained from commenting on the rightness or wrongness of the decision. Salti, acknowledging the heightened sensitivity surrounding global conflicts, noted, “It’s not an exhibition that is a commentary on world affairs or geopolitics,” although the curatorial team could not entirely detach from the realities shaping their artistic expressions.
A Mixed Bag of Artistic Offerings
As the first day of previews unfolded, the Austrian pavilion emerged as a focal point of intrigue, drawing crowds eager to witness choreographer Florentina Holzinger’s performance. Suspended from a crane, Holzinger created a captivating spectacle, oscillating above water-filled chambers that hosted surreal installations, including a jet ski and an artist submerged in a tank. These unconventional presentations exemplify the Biennale’s spirit of innovation amidst the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere.
Ironically, a nesting seagull outside Poland’s pavilion drew attention and even affection from visitors, inadvertently becoming the most photographed “artwork” of the day. The juxtaposition of this simple avian scene against the complex themes explored within the pavilions serves as a reminder of the absurdities of the current moment.
Why it Matters
The Venice Biennale stands as a testament to the power of art in the face of adversity. It is a platform where cultural expression meets the harsh realities of global politics, showcasing both the resilience and fragility of artistic voices. As artists navigate the murky waters of controversy and protest, their work becomes not only an exploration of creativity but also a vital commentary on the state of the world. The events unfolding in Venice are not just about art; they encapsulate a broader struggle for representation, accountability, and the enduring significance of cultural dialogue in an increasingly divided global landscape.
