The Middle East pavilion at the Venice Biennale is challenging myths about women

Venice Biennale's 'foreigners everywhere' theme leaves our critic beguiled, tantalised – and frequently appalled. From an alligator ride across Asia to an escape to outer space, the theme leaves us beguiling, tantalising – and often appalled.

Middle East pavilions at Venice Biennale challenge myths about women in Middle Eastern societies. Saudi Arabia and Lebanon's installations challenge masculine views and Western myths surrounding the portrayal of women in societies. They aim to redress the balance by questioning masculine views in the Middle East.

Lap-See Lam is drawing on Cantonese operas of the 19th century to explore the ‘fiction’ of culture. The Swedish artist is using the operas to draw on the 'fiction' of culture in his work. He is also exploring the 'fictions' of art and culture in a new way of thinking.