News Almost half of the artists in the international exhibition plus 16 national pavilions signed onto a statement of withdrawal in solidarity with the jury’s resignation. The Belgian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale closed on May 8 as part of cultural workers’ strike for Palestine. (photo Hrag Vartanian/ Hyperallergic ) As the 61st Venice Biennale opens its doors to the public today, May 9, 54 artists in the international exhibition and 16 national pavilion teams have issued their withdrawal from awards consideration in solidarity with the jury's resignation. A complete list of artists, duos, and collectives that withdrew is included at the end of this article. The Biennale jury announced its resignation on April 30 , about a week after stating it would not be considering “countries whose leaders are currently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC)” for awards, effectively disqualifying Israel and Russia.…