Published 3 hours ago • loading... • Updated 3 hours ago

Pussy Riot Storms Russia's Pavillon at Venice Biennale

On Wednesday, Pussy Riot and FEMEN activists protested Russia's presence at the Art Venice Biennale in Venice, Italy, yelling "Russia's art is blood" and "Disobey" under colored smoke in the Giardini exhibition area.
Russia's participation, its first since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, cost the Biennale 2 million euros in European Union funding, though organizers stated any country with relations to Italy may participate.
The jury awarding Golden Lion prizes resigned last week, protesting the participation of Russia and Israel by refusing to award prizes to countries under investigation for human rights abuses by the International Criminal Court.
Italian police blocked the entrance, and the protest effectively blockaded Russia's return for about 30 minutes, while Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova entered the Giardini venue using an assumed name after failing to contact organizers.
Tolokonnikova argued that only art by jailed dissidents represents the "real face of Russia," while the Rome government opposed the pavilion's inclusion, acknowledging the Biennale's independence.

Insights by Ground AI

Podcasts & Opinions

Podcast Mention

Center

Global News Podcast

Daily News and Politics podcast from Government of the United Kingdom

Center

Daily News and Politics podcast from Government of the United Kingdom

Couples looking for surrogates still going to Ukraine

Global News Podcast discuss Venice Biennale protests as Pussy Riot and Femen target the Russian pavilion and controversy grows over Russia and Israel’s participation

1 day ago·United Kingdom

Listen to Full Episode Full Episode Unlock Timestamp

Get Vantage — Podcasts, Ratings, Timestamps

Podcasts & Opinions

125 Articles

The Times

Center

Pussy Riot lead protest against Russian pavilion at Venice Biennale

EU sanctions mean no permit for visitors will be granted as Russia returns to the prestigious art show for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine

3 hours ago·United Kingdom

Read Full Article

Wall Street Journal

Center

In Venice, the World’s Biggest Art Show Descends Into Infighting

The major contemporary art gathering, dubbed “the Olympics of the art world,” is beset with drama and geopolitical froideur

3 hours ago·New York, United States

Read Full Article

La Repubblica

Lean Left

Giuli and Kiev v. Salvini, Expected Today at the Russian Pavilion

The Ukrainian ambassador: serious that the Deputy Prime Minister legitimate Moscow. The criticism of the Minister of Culture. Ultimatum of the EU

7 hours ago·Turin, Italy

Read Full Article

Observador

Lean Right

"Russia Kills, the Biennale Exhibits": Pussy Riot and Femen Protest and Force the Closure of the Russian Pavilion in Venice.

Protests called by Russian and Ukrainian activists led to the temporary closure of the doors of the Russian flag. Pro-Palestine group contested Israel's presence.

8 hours ago·Portugal

Read Full Article

EADaily

Lean Right

Scandalous Biennale in Venice is accompanied by rallies and shouts of "murderer"

Even before the official opening, the 61st Venice Biennale has become one of the most scandalous in recent years. Against the background of criticism from Ukraine and the EU of Russian participation in the event…

11 hours ago

Read Full Article

Market Screener

Center

Pussy Riot rallies against Russia's return to the Venice Biennale

STORY: :: Pussy Riot protests over Russia's presence at the Venice Biennale art exhibition :: Venice, Italy / May 7, 2026 :: Russia's return to the Biennale has drawn... -May 07, 2026 at 02:55 pm EDT MarketScreener

11 hours ago·Annecy, France

Read Full Article

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/year