Pussy Riot and FEMEN Protest Russian Pavilion at Venice Biennale

Pussy Riot joined members of the Ukrainian feminist organization FEMEN in a protest at the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale on Wednesday.

The Protest Action The demonstrators yelled “Russia’s art is blood” and “Disobey” while releasing pink, blue and yellow smoke. They covered their faces with pink balaclavas and rushed the venue in the Giardini exhibition area. Italian police blocked the entrance, and the protest blocked access to the site for about 30 minutes.

““Those people make art, and I want that art to represent Russia, because they represent the real face of Russia,” a member of Pussy Riot said.”

Russia's participation has resulted in the loss of 2 million euros in European Union funding for the event. The jury responsible for the Golden Lion prizes resigned last week due to the inclusion of Russia and Israel. The jury had indicated it would not award prizes to countries under investigation by the International Criminal Court for human rights abuses.

The Russian pavilion, which includes musical performances, is set to open only during the first week of previews ahead of the official Biennale opening on May 9. A member of Pussy Riot said that attempts to contact Biennale organizers had not succeeded and that an assumed name was used to gain entry through security.

The Biennale has stated that any country maintaining relations with Italy can participate, although the Rome government has expressed opposition while recognizing the event's independence.