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

Israeli artist Belu-Simion Fainaru is representing Israel at the Venice Biennale, where his installation, "Rose of Nothingness," has faced significant political protests and boycotts following October 7. The Haifa-based artist, an Israel Prize laureate, draws inspiration from Jewish-Romanian German-language poet Paul Celan, a Holocaust survivor. Fainaru's work features black water dripping into a pool, symbolizing the fusion of life and death, and inviting contemplation on memory and sustainability. He connects his art to Celan's experiences and his own parents' Holocaust survival, stating, "He represents Jewish identity, among his several identities. He was a Holocaust survivor, and so were my parents. So we have a common denominator." Despite the political climate, Fainaru views the media attention as a mixed blessing, noting that while he received extensive international coverage, Israeli media initially showed less interest. His installation aims to provide an "oasis of peace and tranquility" for reflection amidst the external turmoil.