Israel artist says Venice Biennale pavilion won’t open until Gaza ceasefire
Al Jazeera
An artist representing Israel at the international art fair calls for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza.
The artist representing Israel at the Venice Biennale has announced her exhibit will not open until an agreement is reached for a ceasefire and the release of captives held in the Gaza Strip.
Ruth Patir’s video installation called (M)otherland was due to open on Saturday at Israel’s national pavilion at the international art show, but she said it would remain closed for now.
“The artist and curators of the Israeli pavilion will open the exhibition when a ceasefire and hostage release agreement is reached,” a sign placed on Tuesday in the window of Israel’s pavilion said.
Patir said on her website: “The decision by the artist and curators is not to cancel themselves nor the exhibition; rather, they choose to take a stance in solidarity with the families of the hostages and the large community in Israel who is calling for change.”
The biennale, scheduled from Saturday to November 24 in the northern Italian city of Venice, is regarded as one of the world’s most important presentations of contemporary art. Before its opening, representatives of the media were given a preview of the countries’ pavilions on Tuesday.
