2025-06-27
The mood in Venice has been calmer at times. In recent days, it has become a battleground between activists and Jeff Bezos.
It appeared that protests against the organisation of his wedding there had put pressure on the businessman. Part of the ceremony was moved from the popular Cannaregio to the fenced-off arsenal. As it turns out, however, Venice remains a hot topic.
‘This is a coup,’ we could read in a brief preview of Curtis Yarvin's dramatised proposal for the concept of a US pavilion for next year's Venice Biennale. Unlike recent events, in the short video, the protesters are defeated when they are hit by a sea wave.
The author, considered a major ideologue of the so-called 'dark enlightenment' movement, believes in the efficacy of a system where a CEO would be the ruler of the state. His views have found favour with some American politicians and businessmen.
In April this year, Yarvin was to present his idea for a pavilion to the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy. His vision envisages Titian's painting 'The Rape of Europa' as the centrepiece of the premise. Accompanying artworks would be selected to emphasise the project's theme of rape.
It will be some time before we know which team will represent the USA – applications are being accepted until 30 July this year.