Dozens of Venice Biennale Artists Withdraw From Awards En Masse

"As the 61st Venice Biennale opens its doors to the public today, May 9, 54 artists in the international exhibition and 16 national pavilion teams have issued their withdrawal from awards consideration in solidarity with the jury's resignation. A complete list of artists, duos, and collectives that withdrew is included at the end of this article."

"The Biennale jury announced its resignation on April 30, about a week after stating it would not be considering "countries whose leaders are currently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC)" for awards, effectively disqualifying Israel and Russia. The Biennale Foundation confirmed to Hyperallergic that prior to the jury's resignation, Israel Pavilion artist Belu-Simion Fainaru had filed legal warnings alleging that the jury's statement of intent amounted to antisemitism and nationality-based discrimination."

"The Foundation then scrapped the traditional Golden Lion awards for this year and instituted the new " Visitor Lions," awards decided by public vote that will be announced on the Biennale's final viewing date, November 22. The Biennale's announcement made clear that both Israel and Russia were back in the running for the new accolades, as all national pavilions would be considered."

"In a statement published on today, almost half of the 111 artists, duos, and collectives included in In Minor Keys as well as 16 national pavilion exhibitors issued their withdrawal from consideration for the Visitor Lions. The official announcement comes shortly after multiple protests at the Russian and Israeli pavilions during the preview period, and yesterday's"

The 61st Venice Biennale opened to the public on May 9 after a jury resignation announced on April 30. The jury had previously said it would not consider countries whose leaders face crimes against humanity charges by the International Criminal Court, effectively excluding Israel and Russia. Israel Pavilion artist Belu-Simion Fainaru filed legal warnings alleging the jury’s intent was antisemitic and nationality-based discrimination. The Biennale Foundation then canceled the traditional Golden Lion awards and created “Visitor Lions,” decided by public vote and announced on November 22. The Foundation stated Israel and Russia would be eligible for the new awards. Almost half of the 111 artists and 16 national pavilion teams withdrew from Visitor Lions consideration in a statement published on May 9.

Read at Hyperallergic