Pussy Riot and FEMEN Shake Venice Biennale with Fiery Protest

Pussy Riot joined Ukrainian FEMEN activists at the Venice Biennale to protest Russia's pavilion amid controversial participation due to the Ukraine invasion. With vibrant smoke and masked faces, protesters highlighted their stance against Putin. Russia's inclusion cost the fair EU funding, sparking broader criticism and prize jury resignations.

Pussy Riot and Ukrainian feminist group FEMEN staged a bold protest at the Venice Biennale on Wednesday, voicing their opposition to the Russian pavilion. Chanting slogans like 'Russia's art is blood' and 'Disobey,' they created a striking scene with colorful smoke and pink balaclavas.

Despite Italian police blocking the venue entry, the protest disrupted Russia's presence at the contemporary art fair for about half an hour. Pussy Riot's Nadya Tolokonnikova emphasized that only dissident art should represent Russia, highlighting jailed artists' struggles under Putin's regime.

The controversy surrounding Russia's participation, amid its Ukraine invasion, has already led to the loss of 2 million euros in European Union funding and prompted the resignation of the jury that awards the Golden Lion prizes. The Biennale, however, maintains independence in its decision amidst backlash from the Rome government.