The Biennal of Dissent in Eastern European (1977). The controversial role of the Italian Communist Party in supporting the venetian cultural event

Rita ladogana

2025-01-01

---

Abstract

This paper aims to retrace the events that fueled the heated debate regarding the difficult and controversial position by the Italian Communist Party during the Biennal of Dissent in 1977, a cultural event with international resonance that was strongly politically charged. The focus is the expression of dissent in the visual arts, offering reflections on the exhibition The New Soviet Art: A Non-Official Perspective. The most contested edition in the history of the Venetian institution since its foundation in 1895 was entirely dedicated to the theme of dissent in Eastern European countries and the Soviet Union. The aim was to retrace the long history of protest and opposition to political orthodoxy in the name of autonomy from party.