Protests and boycotts rock prestigious Venice Biennale

Pussy Riot and FEMEN activists protest Russia's presence after its absence following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine in front of the Russian pavilion at the 2026 Art Venice Biennale in Venice, Italy, on May 6, 2026. Luca Bruno/AP hide caption toggle caption Luca Bruno/AP The 61st Venice Biennale opened Saturday in a chaotic atmosphere marked by geopolitical strife, overshadowing what draws people to the world-renowned festival: the contemporary art on display. …