Israeli Artist Shuts Down Pavilion at Venice Biennale in Protest
Israeli artist Ruth Patir has made a bold statement by closing her national pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale, vowing to only reopen it once a ceasefire agreement is reached between Israel and Hamas.
In an Instagram post, Patir expressed her frustration, stating, “I feel that the time for art is lost and I need to believe it will return. We have become the news, not the art. And so, if I am given such a remarkable stage, I want to make it count.”
She continued, “I have therefore decided that the pavilion will only open when the release of hostages and ceasefire agreement happens. This has been our decision and we stand by it. I am an artist and educator, I firmly object to cultural boycott, but since I feel there are answers, and I can only do what I can with the space I have, I prefer to raise my voice with those I stand with in their scream, ceasefire now, bring the people back from captivity. We can’t take it anymore.”
This move comes after a February online appeal called for Israel to be excluded from the art fair, accusing the country of “genocide” in Gaza. The Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) collective argued that any official representation of Israel on the international cultural stage is an endorsement of its policies and actions.
Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano condemned the appeal, calling it “unacceptable” and “shameful,” stating that it threatens freedom of thought and creative expression.
The Venice Biennale, known as the “Olympics of the art world,” is a major event in the international arts calendar. This year’s edition, titled “Foreigners Everywhere,” is set to feature pavilions from 90 countries between April 20 and Nov. 24.