Venice Biennale jury quits days before opening amid awards controversy

Just days before the Venice Biennale opens, the event has been thrown into turmoil after its prize jury resigned over a controversial decision to exclude artists from certain countries from receiving awards. The move, linked to nations whose leaders face International Criminal Court investigations, sparked backlash - particularly from Israel, which accused organisers of politicising the global art platform.

The sudden resignation raises fresh questions about the intersection of art, politics and global tensions at one of the world’s most prestigious cultural events. Phemelo speaks to writer and artist Percy Mabandu.