Pussy Riot collective will protest at the Biennale against Russian participation

For the first time in several years, Russia will participate in the Venice Biennale, sparking criticism and concern in the international arena. A post published on Instagram by the feminist art collective Pussy Riot, highlights how Moscow’s eventual presence is closely linked to Italian political decisions and not to autonomous choices of the Biennale.

The Venice Biennale is divided into two main sections: the international exhibition and the national pavilions. Of the latter, the Russian Pavilion is located in the Giardini, buildings owned by the Italian state and the city of Venice, the operation of which is based on agreements with the Biennale. In addition, the presidency of the Biennale is appointed by the Italian government. This means that the Russian pavilion does not enjoy diplomatic status or sovereignty, as Pussy Riot activists themselves claim. According to the collective, Italy, local authorities and the Biennale itself would therefore have the ability to oppose Russia’s participation, making the final decision essentially political. According to Pussy Riot, Russia’s official presence at the Biennale represents an extension of the Kremlin’s cultural strategy, which has been defined in recent years as an integral part of Russia’s military doctrine and hybrid warfare instrument. In this sense, Moscow’s participation would be an action that strengthens Russia’s political and symbolic presence in the heart of Europe.

Pussy Riot reports that, on the Russian side, official Mikhail Shvydkoy responded to the criticism by stating that “Eternity prevails over momentary concerns; culture prevails over politics... Unfortunately, not everyone can understand this.” Shvydkoy’s words were interpreted by the activists as insensitivity to the victims of the war, particularly Ukrainian children who lost parents and homes. The activists continued with Shvydkoy’s statements, who further said “This is further proof that Russian culture is not isolated and that the attempts to ’erase’ it - undertaken over the past four years by Western political elites - have not been successful.”

Pussy Riot announces that it will be present at the Biennale with an intervention aimed at expressing unconditional support for Ukraine, Russian political prisoners and Ukrainian prisoners of war. The group points out that Russia’s most committed anti-war citizens are in prison or have been killed, while Russia’s official participation in the Biennale represents an opening to Putin-linked officials and propagandists by European institutions.

Pussy Riot collective will protest at the Biennale against Russian participation

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