The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, titled "In Minor Keys" and curated by Koyo Kouoh (who passed away in May 2025), opened amid intense controversy over its artist list and geopolitical tensions. Protests erupted against the participation of Israel and Russia, with a petition signed by 22 countries to exclude Russia, threats from the European Commission to suspend funding, and the resignation of the international jury. Around 18 national pavilions staged strikes and partial closures to denounce the normalization of Israel's presence and precarious labor in the art world. The Austria Pavilion's performance by Florentina Holzinger, featuring a girl hanging upside down inside a tilting bell, became a viral symbol refocusing attention on art itself.
This edition matters because it highlights the increasingly fraught intersection of art and international politics, where national pavilions become flashpoints for broader geopolitical conflicts. The disputes over Israel and Russia's participation, the jury's resignation, and the threat of EU funding withdrawal underscore how biennials are no longer neutral spaces but arenas for political protest and ethical debate. The event also raises questions about curatorial authority, institutional governance, and the role of art in addressing global crises, making it a pivotal moment for the future of large-scale international exhibitions.