art
May 5, 2026
Anish Kapoor says US 'hate politics' should lead to exclusion from Venice Biennale
Anish Kapoor stated that the United States should be excluded from the Venice Biennale due to its "vile politics of hate" and "constant warmongering."
TL;DR
- Artist Anish Kapoor advocates for the US exclusion from the Venice Biennale due to its "vile politics of hate" and "constant warmongering."
- The Biennale jury resigned in protest over the inclusion of Israel and Russia, a move Kapoor supports but believes should extend to the US.
- US artist (...) Alma Allen's selection and work have drawn attention, with questions raised about political influence and the interpretation of abstract art.
- The Israeli pavilion faces demands for cancellation from over 200 signatories citing alleged genocide, which Israel's foreign ministry condemned as "anti-Israel political indoctrination."
- The Russian pavilion will not be open to the public, although the installation is visible through windows, following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- The Italian government opposed the Biennale Foundation's decision to allow Russia's participation, and the European Commission threatened to suspend a grant.
- Kapoor has a history of legal threats against the Trump administration and the NRA over the use of his artwork's image.