The Israeli artist representing Israel at this year's Venice Biennale in Italy, along with its curators, have decided not to open the Israeli pavilion until a cease-fire and hostage deal are reached in Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. A sign posted on the window of the Israeli pavilion states that the exhibition will open once these conditions are met.
Artist Ruth Patir, in a statement, expressed solidarity with the families of the hostages and the Israeli community calling for change. She emphasized her objection to cultural boycott but cited difficulties in presenting a project that addresses the vulnerability of life amidst current circumstances.
The Israeli pavilion, established in 1952 as a permanent representation of Israel in the Giardini, is among the 88 national participants in the 60th Venice Biennale, running from April 20 to November 24. The decision to delay the opening of the Israeli exhibit comes amid calls from curators, critics, and protestors to exclude Israel's participation in response to the conflict in Gaza.
Italy's culture minister has supported Israel's presence at the Biennale, which is taking place with heightened security measures. The national pavilions at the event operate independently, with each nation determining its exhibition content. The Israeli exhibit, titled '(M)otherland,' was curated by Mira Lapidot and Tamar Margalit.
Lapidot and Margalit explained that the delay in opening the exhibit is due to the ongoing war in Gaza, expressing hope for improved conditions that would allow the pavilion to open for public viewing. Currently, a video work by Patir can be viewed through the pavilion window.
