Renowned artist Anish Kapoor has sparked debate by suggesting that the United States should be excluded from the prestigious Venice Biennale due to what he describes as the country’s “abhorrent politics of hate” and “incessant warmongering”. Mr Kapoor, who represented Britain at the 1990 edition of the international art exhibition, made his remarks in the context of recent controversy surrounding the Biennale.
His comments follow the resignation of a jury over the decision to include both Russia and Israel in the exhibition. While commending the jury for their stance, Mr Kapoor argued that their reasoning for exclusion should be extended to encompass the United States as well, given his view of its international actions and domestic policies.
The Venice Biennale is one of the world's oldest and most significant contemporary art exhibitions, drawing artists and visitors from across the globe. Its national pavilions often become focal points for discussions on geopolitics, national identity, and artistic freedom.
Mr Kapoor's intervention adds a significant voice to the ongoing discussions about the role of art and cultural institutions in addressing global political issues. His perspective challenges the established norms of participation in such high-profile international events, particularly concerning major global powers.