Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Minister of Culture, Tetiana Berezhnaya, sharply criticized Russia’s participation in this year’s Venice Biennale, calling it a manifestation of cynicism. According to her, the participation of the aggressor country in this artistic event occurs under the slogan “A Tree Rooted in the Sky,” which, in Berezhnaya’s opinion, attempts to separate culture from politics, ignoring the real context of the war.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukrainian Roots of the Russian Pavilion
Berezhnaya placed special emphasis on the fact that the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale has Ukrainian origins. She stated that it was built back in 1914 with funds from a Ukrainian patron, later passed to the USSR, and after its collapse – to Russia. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Ukraine seeks to reclaim this pavilion, although it is a complex task within the European legal framework.
“For us, the maximum goal is to return this pavilion to Ukraine’s ownership. I understand that this is very difficult, as property rights in Europe are clearly defined legal concepts. But this fact also demonstrates the cynicism of Russia’s participation.”
Russia at the Biennale: Reactions and Consequences
Due to sanctions, the Russian pavilion remains closed; however, representatives of Russia plan to hold their performance at the exhibition’s opening and display it on the pavilion’s outer wall throughout the Biennale. The Minister of Culture notes that the Ukrainian side is taking all possible measures to prevent this.
Berezhnaya also pointed out that the exhibition organizers have allowed Russia to participate in the event for the first time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine, which will take place from May 9 to November 22. This decision has sparked outrage, particularly from the Italian government.
She also stressed that Russia’s presence at such international platforms does not signify Ukraine’s defeat in the realm of cultural diplomacy. Ukraine continues to actively fight for a strong voice at global events and aims to limit the presence of the aggressor country in the international cultural space as much as possible.
A positive signal, according to Berezhnaya, was the warning from the European Commission about the potential loss of a 2 million euro grant for the Biennale if Russia is allowed to participate. The total budget for this prestigious art forum is approximately 66 million euros.
The Venice Biennale is considered one of the most renowned exhibitions of contemporary art in the world, having first taken place in 1895.