Resisting the Tourist Gaze. Art Activism Against Cruise Ship Extractivism in the Venice Lagoon

Art activism in Venice is emerging as a powerful tool against the ecological and social degradation caused by cruise ship extractivism. The study highlights how local artistic projects, including those by Eleonora Sovrani, Gli Impresari, Banksy, and Elena Mazzi, visually expose the failures of Venice's current urban development model rooted in mass tourism. These artworks challenge the exploitative economic model of cruise companies, which entangles tourists, local communities, and the lagoon ecosystem. By framing resistance against planetary extractive capitalism, this research demonstrates how art can serve as a critical lens to denounce environmental harm and advocate for sustainable alternatives.

Guaraldo, E. (2021). Resisting the Tourist Gaze. Art Activism Against Cruise Ship Extractivism in the Venice Lagoon. Lagoonscapes, (1). https://doi.org/10.30687/lgsp//2021/01/008