Pussy Riot and FEMEN activists protest Russia's presence after its absence following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine in front of the Russian pavilion at the 2026 Art Venice Biennale in Venice, Italy, on May 6, 2026. Luca Bruno/AP hide caption toggle caption Luca Bruno/AP The 61st Venice Biennale opened Saturday in a chaotic atmosphere marked by geopolitical strife, overshadowing what draws people to the world-renowned festival: the contemporary art on display. In tandem with the opening, dozens of artists announced their withdrawal from awards consideration — the latest in a wave of protests surrounding the international art event that has historically celebrated the likes of Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, and Jackson Pollock. Laurie Anderson, Alfredo Jaar and Zoe Leonard are among the high-profile signatories who backed the statement of withdrawal, along with such national pavilions as France, Ecuador and the United Arab Emirates.…