Die Biennale muss offen bleiben – auch für Russland
The article argues against calls to exclude Russia from the Venice Biennale, focusing on the controversy surrounding the Russian pavilion's planned exhibition titled "Der Baum ist im Himmel verwurzelt" (The Tree Is Rooted in Heaven). The pavilion is set to feature musicians from Russia, Argentina, Mali, and Mexico, and its theme revolves around the idea that politics is time-bound. The author contends that while the demand to exclude Russia is understandable given the geopolitical context, it is dangerous because once a biennial begins disinviting states, it undermines the very concept of the international exhibition.
This matters because the Venice Biennale is one of the world's most prestigious art events, and decisions about participation have broader implications for cultural diplomacy and the role of art in times of conflict. The article raises fundamental questions about whether art should be used as a tool of political exclusion or remain a space for cross-cultural dialogue. The outcome of this debate could set a precedent for how international art exhibitions handle geopolitical tensions in the future.