Trending Now - Venice Biennale Faces Turmoil Amid Ongoing Global Conflicts

WHO:

ABC News - The Venice Biennale's jury, consisting of five curators including Marie Helene Pereira, resigned.

ABC News - Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadryova created “The Origami Deer.”

ABC News - Israeli artist Belu-Simion Fainaru expressed his views on the jury's resignation.

ABC News - Co-curator Ksenia Malykh of the Ukrainian Pavilion opposed Russia's participation.

WHAT:

ABC News - The Venice Biennale is previewing its 61st edition.

ABC News - The jury resigned over the participation of Israel and Russia.

ABC News - The Russian Pavilion will only be open to visitors during previews and will not be open to the public after the Biennale opens.

ABC News - The Biennale has 100 national pavilions and a curated exhibition featuring 110 artists and artist groups.

ABC News - The public will choose two winners for best national participant and best main show participant, to be awarded on Nov. 22.

WHERE:

ABC News - The Venice Biennale is located in Venice, Italy.

ABC News - The events are taking place in the Giardini and Arsenale sites of the Biennale.

WHEN:

ABC News - The Biennale's preview week is ongoing.

ABC News - The Biennale will open for its 6 ½ month run on Saturday.

ABC News - The closing day of the Biennale is on Nov. 22.

WHY:

ABC News - The jury resigned because it would not award prizes to countries whose leaders were under investigation by the International Court of Justice, specifically mentioning Russia and Israel.

ABC News - Ksenia Malykh stated that allowing Russia to open its pavilion was a "false attempt to stay neutral" during ongoing conflicts.

HOW:

ABC News - The Ukrainian Pavilion evacuated the statue “The Origami Deer” from a park in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, due to the proximity of the front line, which was just 5 kilometers (3 miles) away.

(UPDATED May 6, 2026 11:35 UTC)

In a significant development at the Venice Biennale, the jury, which included five curators such as Marie Helene Pereira, has resigned over the participation of Israel and Russia. Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadryova's work, “The Origami Deer,” has been evacuated from a park in Pokrovsk due to the ongoing conflict, while co-curator Ksenia Malykh has voiced strong opposition to Russia's involvement, calling it a "false attempt to stay neutral." The Biennale is currently in its preview week and will officially open for a six-and-a-half-month run on Saturday, culminating in the announcement of public awards for best national and main show participants on November 22.