Enjoy the show. Ignore the war: Venice Biennale backlash after including Russia

Pavilion commissioner Anastasia Karneeva stated, 'This is our house, we come to our place,' and declined to discuss her ties to Rostec, whose deputy head is her father and who is under sanctions.

Posters advertising an 'Invisible Pavilion' featuring Ukrainian artist Volodymyr Vakulenko, who was shot when Russian troops occupied his village, were posted around Venice; posters are stamped 'Cancelled. Because the author was killed by Russia.'

Italy's culture minister announced they would not attend when the Biennale opens to the public on Saturday.

Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, a right-wing former journalist, spoke at a Biennale press conference criticizing calls for bans and censorship, then left before questions.

A separate group of protesters descended on the Israeli exhibit, leaving the floor carpeted with rain-sodden leaflets denouncing a 'Genocide Pavilion'.

Pussy Riot and Femen staged a joint protest in the Biennale gardens, dressed in black with fluorescent pink balaclavas, calling out Russia and triggering smoke flares outside the Russian national pavilion.

The entire international jury resigned after a statement that referred to countries with leaders wanted by the ICC for suspected war crimes, affecting Russia and Israel.

This time a Russian team has filled the space with an upside-down tree and experimental sound performances.

Russia's return to the Biennale is described as partial; after pre-opening events this week, the pavilion will close. The display includes an upside-down tree and experimental sound performances by a Russian team.

Two years after the 2022 protest, the building was loaned to Bolivia.

In 2022, the curators at the Russian pavilion pulled out in protest at the invasion of Ukraine.