Artist demands ceasefire before opening Israel pavilion show at Venice Biennale
The Israeli pavilion at the Venice Biennale will remain closed to the public until a ceasefire and hostage release agreement are reached in the Israel-Hamas war. The artist selected to represent the country, Ruth Patir, made this decision, which has stirred controversy. The project, titled “(M)otherland,” focuses on contemporary motherhood and was curated by Mira Lapidot and Tamar Margalit. The pavilion was guarded by Italian soldiers during the media previews, with a statement explaining the closure posted on the window. This decision was made in response to the recent atrocities carried out by Hamas in Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Despite calls for Israel’s exclusion from the Biennale, La Biennale di Venezia has stated that all recognized countries may participate at their own discretion.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.