Pussy Riot staged a dramatic protest at the Russia Pavilion during the Venice Biennale, releasing pink smoke and waving Ukrainian flags while chanting slogans like 'Blood is Russia’s art.' Around 50 protesters, including members of Femen, occupied the area. Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova called for the pavilion to be closed and given to oppressed peoples, challenging Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco to meet her. The protest lasted about 20 minutes, with performers climbing the pavilion and exposing political slogans on their chests.
This protest matters because Russia’s return to the Biennale after a four-year hiatus—following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine—has sparked intense backlash from European policymakers and cultural leaders. The European Union withdrew €2 million in funding for the 2028 edition, and Italy’s culture minister boycotted the opening week. Leaked emails revealed Biennale officials worked with the pavilion’s commissioner to circumvent EU sanctions. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between art institutions and geopolitical ethics, questioning whether cultural events can remain neutral amid war.