The grandiose and oldest international art event, La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale), opened its 61st edition under the theme "In Minor Keys" by artistic director Koyo Kouoh. The events that built up to the opening last month were far from minor due to various protests that trumpeted loud ripple effects worldwide.
My one-month sojourn in Venice saw all kinds of memorable and confrontational activities related to art and politics.
When I arrived, free Palestine and anti-genocide posters and banners along the walls and corridors signalled rumbling discontent focused on the inclusion of the pavilions of Russia and Israel. With the European Union's withdrawal of €2 million (76.1 million baht) in funding for the Venice Biennale, the schism in politics has a clear impact on the organisation of the world's most famous international art event.
