As preparations for the upcoming Venice Biennale art fair intensify, a storm of controversy has erupted within the art world. Thousands of artists, curators, and museum directors have ignited a heated debate by urging for the exclusion of Israel from the prestigious event due to Gaza genocide. Spearheaded by the Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA), this movement vehemently accuses the Biennale of providing a platform to what they denounce as a “genocidal apartheid state.”
The fervor surrounding Israel’s participation in the Biennale arises against the backdrop of mounting international condemnation of its military offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip. Since October 7th, the conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
ANGA’s argument hinges on what they perceive as a glaring double standard in the Biennale’s approach to political controversies. While the exhibition took decisive action to ban individuals associated with the Russian government following the invasion of Ukraine, it has notably refrained from similar measures against Israel amid its ongoing Gaza genocide.
In an impassioned online letter, signed by over 12,500 individuals, ANGA draws parallels to the Biennale’s past decisions to ban South Africa under apartheid rule. They argue that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands warrants similar condemnation, branding it as a “cruel system of apartheid and a crime against humanity” in line with assessments by leading human rights organizations.
The crux of ANGA’s protest lies in the assertion that the inclusion of Israeli art in the Biennale implicitly condones what they view as Israel’s genocidal policies against Palestinians in Gaza. They stress the paramount importance of upholding ethical standards and accountability in the selection of participants for such esteemed international exhibitions.
In response, Israel vehemently rejects accusations of genocide, while the International Court of Justice acknowledges the plausibility of such claims and calls for preventive measures.
Meanwhile, among the signatories of ANGA’s appeal are prominent figures such as Faisal Saleh, director of the Palestine Museum US, renowned photographer Nan Goldin, and British artist Jesse Darling, winner of the 2023 Turner Prize.
