Lorenzo DeLuca A protest took place at the Venice Biennale that attracted attention and controversy: the collectives Pussy Riot e Femen they staged a sit-in in front of the Russian Pavilion, denouncing Moscow's presence at the demonstration. The activists, recognisable by their balaclavas and smoke bombs, played music and slogans while the members of the Femen showed writings on the bodies.
The action renewed the debate on the relationship between art, politics, and the responsibility of cultural institutions.
The form and message of the protest
During the action, the collective of musicians and performers adopted strong symbols: dark clothing, pink balaclavas, and the lighting of smoke bombs to attract the attention of visitors. The slogan chanted and repeated by the activists—among which we saw writings such as “Russia kills” e “Moscow kills” — was accompanied by sounds and performative interventions aimed at interrupting the ordinary enjoyment of the exhibition.
This type of protest is part of the tradition of political performance, which uses the scenic gesture as a tool of denunciation and visibility.
The reasons invoked
Le Pussy Riot They also motivated their action through a post published on the social network X, arguing that culture for the Russian government has become an instrument of war.
The message talks about an organized strategy of soft power which exploits media, art, and language to exert external influence. Activists have accused some European actors of superficially or complicitly embracing elements of state propaganda, even inserting them into the very heart of European cultural institutions.
Who are the protagonists?
The components of Pussy Riot They have been active since 2011 as a musical and political collective formed in opposition to Vladimir Putin's government. Their leader is Nadia Tolokonnikova, known for her participation in a famous 2012 action in Moscow Cathedral, which led to prison sentences for some of the group's members. Many of the activists currently live abroad and continue their public and political activities; their personal stories are an integral part of the message they convey in public protests.
Legal situation and recent initiatives
In recent years, the group and its founders have been at the centre of legal proceedings in Russia: from the recognition as extremist organization to be registered in the list of foreign agents. Nadia Tolokonnikova, in view of the Biennale, has announced scheduled meetings with collectors and local interlocutors as part of a campaign dedicated to bringing the voice of political prisoners in front of the Russian pavilion at the 2028 Expo. The activist's requests also include discussions with local officials; currently, some regional representatives have indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue.
Reactions and reflections
The action has sparked mixed reactions: some see the protest as a legitimate political protest aimed at protecting the integrity of cultural venues, while others see it as a divisive initiative that exploits art. The Biennale institutions and local authorities are faced with balancing freedom of expression, event security, and diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, calls to bring the plight of political prisoners to international attention continue to occupy the public and media space.
Cultural implications
The affair raises complex questions on the role of cultural institutions in the face of political conflicts: the participation of a State in an art exhibition can be interpreted as a merely cultural act or as a vehicle of soft powerActivists argue that welcoming representatives from contested regimes unconditionally amounts to normalizing repressive practices; organizers and some critics, however, believe excluding artists for geopolitical reasons risks compromising the inclusive nature of cultural dialogue.
Ultimately, the protest of Pussy Riot e Femen at the Biennale has rekindled a debate that goes beyond the Venetian event: from the definition of cultural responsibility to the ways in which the rights of political prisoners, the discussion remains open and is set to continue in the coming months.