How the Venice Biennale imploded over Israel
The who’s who of the international art world meet every two years at the Venice Biennale to hobnob, clink champagne glasses and gawk at contemporary art showcased in national pavilions along the Giardini della Biennale. The exhibition should be a celebration of artistic merit, with the international jury awarding the coveted Golden Lion to the best national pavilion and artist. This year, however, the 61st Venice Biennale, scheduled to open on May 9, has already decided that the art will take a back seat to identity politics. Israel is represented by sculptor Belu-Simion Fainaru, and his early exclusion from the chance of winning a prize has caused an uproar The exhibition’s theme, ‘In Minor Keys,’ was selected by chief curator Koyo Kouoh.
