The Fierce Pussy collective, composed of talented lesbian artists, has announced that their contributions to the Venice Biennale faced censorship from the city prior to the exhibition's opening. Their creative work included posters that celebrated queer and trans identities, featuring messages such as "Welcome queers and trans people" in both English and Italian, accompanied by an artistic rendition of the iconic Lion of Venice as a cat.
Another poster boldly stated, "We are queers and trans people," listing various professions from "your mortician" to "your favorite newscaster," culminating in the powerful affirmation, "we are everyone."
Despite the city's restrictions, the collective decided to adapt their approach. As artist Joy Episalla shared on social media, they resorted to creating stickers to disseminate their message across the city, showcasing images of the smaller posters placed in public spaces typically reserved for advertisements.
Episalla also mentioned that as a compromise, the Biennale has allowed the original posters to be displayed at the entrance of the Arsenale, providing visibility to their important messages.
While the city of Venice did not respond to requests for comment, it is evident that the Fierce Pussy collective is determined to make their voices heard. They are participating in the Biennale through a group named arms ache avid aeon, which is part of the main exhibition titled "In Minor Keys," curated by Koyo Kouoh. This exhibition, alongside 100 national pavilions, officially opened to the press earlier this week.
The actions of the Fierce Pussy collective highlight the ongoing dialogue surrounding representation and inclusivity in the arts. Their innovative responses to censorship not only amplify their message but also inspire future generations of artists to embrace resilience and creativity in the face of challenges.
