Israel: An Israeli artist at the Venice Biennale has declared her exhibition will not open until a ceasefire is negotiated and the Gaza Captives are released. Ruth Patir’s video installation, entitled ‘Motherland,’ was originally scheduled to open at Israel’s national pavilion during the international art show, but as of now, it will remain closed.
“The artist and curators of the Israeli pavilion will open the exhibition when a ceasefire and hostage release agreement is reached,” stated a sign posted in the pavilion’s window.
On her website, Patir announced that, “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, which is set to occur in the northern Italian city of Venice, is considered one of the most significant exhibitions of contemporary art in the world. Prior to its commencement, members of the media were provided with a sneak peek of the pavilions representing different countries.
Patir said in her Instagram post that, “If I am given such a remarkable stage, I want to make it count. I feel that the time for art is lost and I need to believe it will return. I am an artist and educator, and I firmly object to cultural boycotts. But since I feel there are no right answer[s], and I can only do what I can with the space I have, I prefer to raise my voice with those I stand within their scream, ceasefire now, bring the people back from captivity.”
It is assessed that 129 people who were taken captive during the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7 are still being held in Gaza. Regrettably, 34 of these people are assumed deceased. Following these attacks, Israel launched an offensive on Gaza, which resulted in the death of at least 33,843 people and left 76,575 others injured, according to Palestinian authorities.
The Israeli aggression caused more than 80 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million occupants to flee their homes, and much of the region was wrecked. As a result, aid organisations conveyed concern about impending starvation in some areas of the region, as Israel persists in imposing harsh conditions on the provision of humanitarian aid.
Artists, curators and critics marked an open missive countering Israel’s presence at the Venice Biennale due to the war on Gaza. The Art Not Genocide Alliance is calling for Israel to be banned, saying offering art from a state that holds out atrociousness against Palestinians is inappropriate. Protest is prepared at the biennale.
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