South African artist Gabrielle Goliath presented her installation Elegy as an independent exhibit in Venice this week, after Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie blocked its selection as the national entry.
The work opened on 5 May at the Chiesa di Sant’Antonin, a quiet church setting chosen for its reflective atmosphere. Goliath described the space as ideal for the piece, which features five screens showing women holding a single note in harmony to honour victims of violence, including Heba Abu Nada and Ipeleng Christine Moholane.
McKenzie had prevented the artwork from representing South Africa at the Biennale, citing its alleged affront to his pro-Israel views. A Gauteng high court ruling in March found that Goliath lacked legal standing to challenge the decision, though an appeal remains pending without a set date.
The Biennale itself faces disruption after its jury resigned on 30 April over the inclusion of countries facing war-crimes charges. Audiences will now vote for the Visitors’ Lion prizes. Thousands have already visited Elegy, which the artist called a humbling experience amid the surrounding political debate.