Artists and Curators Demand Israel's Exclusion from Venice Biennale
The Venice Biennale is called upon in a letter to exclude Israel from the event by the Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA), a group consisting of artists, curators, writers, and cultural workers. They express their concerns that the official representation of Israel at the Venice Biennale would be endorsing its alleged genocidal policies against Palestinians in Gaza. The letter highlights the International Court of Justice’s warning to Israel about potential genocide in Gaza, yet actions persist.
Drawing a historical parallel, the letter brings up the boycott of apartheid-era South Africa and criticizes the Biennale for remaining silent on Israel’s actions. The signatories remind the international community’s past response to the boycott of apartheid South Africa, which impacted its participation in the Biennale. They emphasize the need for similar attention to be given to Israel’s actions, especially in Gaza and the West Bank, where the violence has reached alarming proportions.
Despite the Biennale’s declaration of commitment to freedom of expression and human rights, the letter suggests that this commitment does not seem to apply in the case of Israel. Israel’s participation in the Biennale, particularly with its planned “Fertility Pavilion,” faces strong opposition. The letter argues that art should reflect reality and not act as an artificial “pocket” detached from ongoing events.
The authors highlight that Israel’s official representation on the cultural stage is perceived as an endorsement of its alleged genocidal policies. They also bring attention to the restrictions and difficulties faced by Palestinian artists, writers, and cultural workers in expressing themselves under Israeli control.
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