This photo essay from The Guardian presents 20 images capturing global events from the past week, including a protest by Femen and Pussy Riot activists against Russia's participation at the Venice Biennale art show, Israeli strikes in Gaza, the hantavirus outbreak, and Emma Chamberlain at the Met Gala. Other images document the war in Ukraine, with scenes of Russian military rehearsals in Moscow, damaged monuments, and drone strike aftermath, as well as a political protest in Nashville where Democratic state representative Justin J Pearson was removed from the house gallery during a redistricting protest.
The inclusion of the Venice Biennale protest highlights the intersection of art and geopolitics, as the jury for the prestigious art event resigned en masse over a refusal to consider entries from countries with leaders subject to international arrest warrants, effectively barring Russia and Israel. This moment underscores how major art institutions are increasingly becoming arenas for political activism and ethical debates, reflecting broader tensions in the global art world.