Russian pavilion to stay closed as outcry over Israel’s inclusion also grows – but nesting seagull provides some light relief
The 61st Venice Biennale vernissage began on Tuesday under grey clouds and rain showers, as political tension, parties and protest dominated proceedings at one of the art world’s biggest events.
Lubaina Himid, the British entrant, who has spent a career creating work that picks at her country’s colonial past, took over the UK’s pavilion with her large-scale paintings and sound collage that recalls a “perfect British summer’s day”.
Just down the hill from the British pavilion, as rain fell during an inclement Venetian spring day, techno music pumped out of the Russian pavilion, which had large crates of prosecco stacked outside as drinks flowed within.
The celebration was understandable for a country that, despite mounting calls for it to be barred, had managed to pull off an appearance at the most high-profile art event in Europe, after not showing in the past two editions because of outcry over its war in Ukraine.
