When politics invades art, an Israeli artist seeks common ground at the Venice Biennale

Israeli artist Belu-Simion Fainaru, representing Israel at the Venice Biennale, faces boycotts and protests driven by post-Oct. 7 politics. His installation 'Rose of Nothingness' draws on Holocaust survivor poet Paul Celan's work, exploring themes of memory, loss, and ecological destruction. Fainaru navigates hostile media interviews while maintaining focus on his art.

Israeli artist Belu-Simion Fainaru, an Israel Prize laureate, is representing Israel at the Venice Biennale with his installation 'Rose of Nothingness,' which draws on the work of Holocaust survivor poet Paul Celan. The exhibition, housed at the Arsenale facility and running from May 9 to November 22, 2026, features black water dripping into a rectangular pool, evoking Celan's 'black milk' imagery and themes of memory, loss, and ecological destruction. Fainaru, whose parents were also Holocaust survivors, says he identifies with Celan's representation of Jewish identity. However, the artist has faced significant political backlash, including boycotts, protests, and hostile media interviews driven by post-Oct. 7 agendas. Fainaru notes he gave over 100 interviews, some with tough, provocative questions, but also observes that the controversy drew more visitors to his pavilion than other artists received. The article frames Fainaru's experience as a case of politics invading art, with the artist maintaining focus on his creative work despite the external pressures.