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Art Biennials Were Testing Grounds. Now They Are Being Tested. Art Biennials Were Testing Grounds. Now They Are Being Tested.
(7 days later)
The Prospect New Orleans art triennial in October has been postponed to next year. So has the Liverpool Biennial. São Paulo’s Bienal is delayed by at least a month. The Dakar Biennale has yet to set new dates. Front International, in Cleveland, has decided to skip 2021 altogether and return in 2022.The Prospect New Orleans art triennial in October has been postponed to next year. So has the Liverpool Biennial. São Paulo’s Bienal is delayed by at least a month. The Dakar Biennale has yet to set new dates. Front International, in Cleveland, has decided to skip 2021 altogether and return in 2022.
The coronavirus crisis has thrown into question the post-pandemic future of contemporary art biennials (and their cousins, triennials and quadrennials). Of an estimated such 43 exhibitions in 2020, some 20 have been postponed so far, according to a tally by the Biennial Foundation, with further changes near certain. The Biennale of Sydney opened in March for a three-month run — and had to close after 10 days.The coronavirus crisis has thrown into question the post-pandemic future of contemporary art biennials (and their cousins, triennials and quadrennials). Of an estimated such 43 exhibitions in 2020, some 20 have been postponed so far, according to a tally by the Biennial Foundation, with further changes near certain. The Biennale of Sydney opened in March for a three-month run — and had to close after 10 days.
“The biennial is a testing ground,” said Defne Ayas, co-artistic director, with Natasha Ginwala, of the Gwangju Biennale, in South Korea, which is still preparing to open in September.But the testing ground is itself being tested.“The biennial is a testing ground,” said Defne Ayas, co-artistic director, with Natasha Ginwala, of the Gwangju Biennale, in South Korea, which is still preparing to open in September.But the testing ground is itself being tested.
The idea of the international art exhibition has flourished at least since the Venice Biennale was founded in 1895, but they have proliferated in the last two decades as the contemporary art field has gone global. Now their fate is linked to the big question of how culture industries, and cultural habits, will emerge from the pandemic. The crisis also threatens art fairs, which are driven by the market, itself facing great uncertainty, and the global ecosystem of workshops and residencies that have become vital to the careers of artists.The idea of the international art exhibition has flourished at least since the Venice Biennale was founded in 1895, but they have proliferated in the last two decades as the contemporary art field has gone global. Now their fate is linked to the big question of how culture industries, and cultural habits, will emerge from the pandemic. The crisis also threatens art fairs, which are driven by the market, itself facing great uncertainty, and the global ecosystem of workshops and residencies that have become vital to the careers of artists.
But the premise of a biennial is distinctly cosmopolitan and civic. The bet is that mingling artists, out-of-town visitors, and the local public — big biennials often draw a half-million attendees — around a theme that seeks to interpret the world, will benefit everyone involved, while helping cities boost their cultural profiles.But the premise of a biennial is distinctly cosmopolitan and civic. The bet is that mingling artists, out-of-town visitors, and the local public — big biennials often draw a half-million attendees — around a theme that seeks to interpret the world, will benefit everyone involved, while helping cities boost their cultural profiles.
Some biennials are postponing for up to a year. Others hope to proceed on schedule at least for the local audience. And still more are commissioning new projects expressly designed for online.Some biennials are postponing for up to a year. Others hope to proceed on schedule at least for the local audience. And still more are commissioning new projects expressly designed for online.
The lurking question is whether the biennial model still makes sense in a post-pandemic world.The lurking question is whether the biennial model still makes sense in a post-pandemic world.
What happens to an art show may not be top priority now in places battered by the coronavirus — not least New Orleans, where the disease has killed hundreds, including standard-bearers of the city’s culture — or even in the aftermath.What happens to an art show may not be top priority now in places battered by the coronavirus — not least New Orleans, where the disease has killed hundreds, including standard-bearers of the city’s culture — or even in the aftermath.
“We’re going through something we have never seen,” said Manuela Moscoso, the curator of this year’s Liverpool Biennial, working with its director Fatos Ustek. “Coronavirus arrived in several waves: first the virus, and then all the different realizations of what it means.”“We’re going through something we have never seen,” said Manuela Moscoso, the curator of this year’s Liverpool Biennial, working with its director Fatos Ustek. “Coronavirus arrived in several waves: first the virus, and then all the different realizations of what it means.”
A few weeks ago, as travel began to shut down, I spoke with the curators and artistic directors of seven upcoming biennials on five continents to hear the implications of the pandemic, and the stakes for their craft.A few weeks ago, as travel began to shut down, I spoke with the curators and artistic directors of seven upcoming biennials on five continents to hear the implications of the pandemic, and the stakes for their craft.
All had their highly itinerant lives abruptly paused. Ms. Ayas, for instance, is Turkish and lives in Berlin; Ms. Moscoso is Ecuadorean, and was living in Mexico City before moving to Liverpool with her family for this project. But when I reached them, all were in some form of lockdown.All had their highly itinerant lives abruptly paused. Ms. Ayas, for instance, is Turkish and lives in Berlin; Ms. Moscoso is Ecuadorean, and was living in Mexico City before moving to Liverpool with her family for this project. But when I reached them, all were in some form of lockdown.
“There’s been a few weeks of shell shock,” said Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, the artistic director for the Sonsbeek exhibition in the Netherlands, who is Cameroonian and based in Berlin.“There’s been a few weeks of shell shock,” said Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, the artistic director for the Sonsbeek exhibition in the Netherlands, who is Cameroonian and based in Berlin.
But with their events in the balance — involving artists, public and private partners in host cities, and endless logistics — they did not have the luxury of waiting out the crisis.But with their events in the balance — involving artists, public and private partners in host cities, and endless logistics — they did not have the luxury of waiting out the crisis.
One approach is to forge ahead. The Yokohama municipal authorities are eager not to postpone the Triennale’s opening on July 3, though the region is currently under a state of emergency. The 2011 edition, soon after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, was well attended, playing a possibly therapeutic role.One approach is to forge ahead. The Yokohama municipal authorities are eager not to postpone the Triennale’s opening on July 3, though the region is currently under a state of emergency. The 2011 edition, soon after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, was well attended, playing a possibly therapeutic role.
“They feel that when people have been through an intense experience, where anxieties around mortality and what life means become foregrounded, people turn to art,” said Monica Narula of Raqs Media Collective, the Delhi-based group that is curating this year’s program.“They feel that when people have been through an intense experience, where anxieties around mortality and what life means become foregrounded, people turn to art,” said Monica Narula of Raqs Media Collective, the Delhi-based group that is curating this year’s program.
The exhibition as planned is typically large and diverse, with 65 participants, including luminaries like Nick Cave or Korakrit Arunanondchai, emerging stars like Farah Al Qasimi or Lebohang Kganye, as well as 13 artists from Japan. Its title is “Afterglow,” a reference to white noise, radiation, and how to live amid destruction and toxicity.The exhibition as planned is typically large and diverse, with 65 participants, including luminaries like Nick Cave or Korakrit Arunanondchai, emerging stars like Farah Al Qasimi or Lebohang Kganye, as well as 13 artists from Japan. Its title is “Afterglow,” a reference to white noise, radiation, and how to live amid destruction and toxicity.
Ms. Narula and her colleagues, Jeebesh Bagchi and Shuddhabrata Sengupta, face the odd prospect of directing the process remotely, and of arriving late to their own exhibition — as will, surely, many artworks and the artists. The idea is that the show will build over the course of the summer, and be complete by the time it is scheduled to close — in October.Ms. Narula and her colleagues, Jeebesh Bagchi and Shuddhabrata Sengupta, face the odd prospect of directing the process remotely, and of arriving late to their own exhibition — as will, surely, many artworks and the artists. The idea is that the show will build over the course of the summer, and be complete by the time it is scheduled to close — in October.
It could work, Ms. Narula said. “This is what us and the world will discover together.”It could work, Ms. Narula said. “This is what us and the world will discover together.”
The Bienal de São Paulo is also proceeding, with only a one-month delay; it is now scheduled to open in October, said Jacopo Crivelli Visconti, its curator, who is Italian and based in the Brazilian metropolis.The Bienal de São Paulo is also proceeding, with only a one-month delay; it is now scheduled to open in October, said Jacopo Crivelli Visconti, its curator, who is Italian and based in the Brazilian metropolis.
Holding the event was a strong symbol, he said, to counteract the anti-culture stance of President Jair Bolsonaro, and only more so to help heal after the pandemic.Holding the event was a strong symbol, he said, to counteract the anti-culture stance of President Jair Bolsonaro, and only more so to help heal after the pandemic.
The Bienal draws a large local audience, and the hope was to deliver for them, with exhibitions in 24 venues across the sprawling city that the art-world professionals — if they can jet in for opening week — would be unlikely to absorb in full.The Bienal draws a large local audience, and the hope was to deliver for them, with exhibitions in 24 venues across the sprawling city that the art-world professionals — if they can jet in for opening week — would be unlikely to absorb in full.
Many artists in the main group show will have solo shows as well. And some exhibitions will include historical artists, not just contemporary ones, to create reference points. “That may be an entrance door for a large audience,” Mr. Visconti said.Many artists in the main group show will have solo shows as well. And some exhibitions will include historical artists, not just contemporary ones, to create reference points. “That may be an entrance door for a large audience,” Mr. Visconti said.
São Paulo is far ahead of other Brazilian states in coronavirus cases, and Mr. Visconti acknowledged that prospects for the Bienal were fluid. The program would be partly improvised. “We’re approaching the whole exhibition as a rehearsal.”São Paulo is far ahead of other Brazilian states in coronavirus cases, and Mr. Visconti acknowledged that prospects for the Bienal were fluid. The program would be partly improvised. “We’re approaching the whole exhibition as a rehearsal.”
Rather than embrace the uncertainty, other biennials are choosing the clarity of postponement. But with it comes the responsibility of making a show that is not only visitable, but relevant after a pandemic, and possibly in a depression.Rather than embrace the uncertainty, other biennials are choosing the clarity of postponement. But with it comes the responsibility of making a show that is not only visitable, but relevant after a pandemic, and possibly in a depression.
“After what we’re experiencing, you can’t come with an exhibition that just tries to forget it all,” said El Hadji Malick Ndiaye, the artistic director of the Dakar Biennale, which was supposed to open in late May. “But it doesn’t make sense to do an exhibition that’s solely about the pandemic either.”“After what we’re experiencing, you can’t come with an exhibition that just tries to forget it all,” said El Hadji Malick Ndiaye, the artistic director of the Dakar Biennale, which was supposed to open in late May. “But it doesn’t make sense to do an exhibition that’s solely about the pandemic either.”
In New Orleans, the Prospect triennial is working with other groups to shore up resources and protect arts jobs threatened by the crisis, said Nick Stillman, its director.In New Orleans, the Prospect triennial is working with other groups to shore up resources and protect arts jobs threatened by the crisis, said Nick Stillman, its director.
Eight of the 51 artists and collectives in the show are based in New Orleans, and others are preparing projects about the city. Naima Keith and Diana Nawi, the co-curators, said they had invited all the artists to rethink their projects, if they so choose.Eight of the 51 artists and collectives in the show are based in New Orleans, and others are preparing projects about the city. Naima Keith and Diana Nawi, the co-curators, said they had invited all the artists to rethink their projects, if they so choose.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
It was too soon, they said, to know how the final program would reflect the new situation — both in New Orleans and the world at large.It was too soon, they said, to know how the final program would reflect the new situation — both in New Orleans and the world at large.
“Next year is a time of listening and working with people on the ground,” Ms. Nawi said. “We take our lead from them. New Orleans is a city that has survived a lot.”“Next year is a time of listening and working with people on the ground,” Ms. Nawi said. “We take our lead from them. New Orleans is a city that has survived a lot.”
“One benefit of postponing is that it gives us time,” Ms. Keith said. “Time to understand what it means to be to be sheltered, to have social distance, and how society is reacting.”“One benefit of postponing is that it gives us time,” Ms. Keith said. “Time to understand what it means to be to be sheltered, to have social distance, and how society is reacting.”
Yet changes in how biennials are staged were already brewing. The pandemic may have an accelerating effect, as shows move away from the conventional format of a glitzy opening week followed by slower-paced programming around town.Yet changes in how biennials are staged were already brewing. The pandemic may have an accelerating effect, as shows move away from the conventional format of a glitzy opening week followed by slower-paced programming around town.
For Sonsbeek, which has occurred since 1949 at irregular intervals in Arnhem’s city park but is now on a quadrennial schedule, Mr. Ndikung planned a decentralized, four-year program — a “continued public process” with the main group show running the whole time, plus satellite events in other countries and a rich online component emphasizing radio.For Sonsbeek, which has occurred since 1949 at irregular intervals in Arnhem’s city park but is now on a quadrennial schedule, Mr. Ndikung planned a decentralized, four-year program — a “continued public process” with the main group show running the whole time, plus satellite events in other countries and a rich online component emphasizing radio.
The show’s title is “Force Times Distance” — the scientific formula for work, inviting projects on labor, working conditions and employment. In the year until the physical exhibition’s delayed opening, Mr. Ndikung plans audio projects on themes the pandemic has elevated: work from home, care work, what work is essential. He is partnering with radio stations in different countries, and hopes to broadcast from spaces like barbershops.The show’s title is “Force Times Distance” — the scientific formula for work, inviting projects on labor, working conditions and employment. In the year until the physical exhibition’s delayed opening, Mr. Ndikung plans audio projects on themes the pandemic has elevated: work from home, care work, what work is essential. He is partnering with radio stations in different countries, and hopes to broadcast from spaces like barbershops.
The approach is both more digital — an online film program will be beefed up as well — and more local, with small-scale activities in multiple cities, including Arnhem, in collaboration with community groups and bookstores.The approach is both more digital — an online film program will be beefed up as well — and more local, with small-scale activities in multiple cities, including Arnhem, in collaboration with community groups and bookstores.
Still, Mr. Ndikung said, an international gathering around the main exhibition was vital. “We are planning as if this thing will end one day,” he said of the crisis.Still, Mr. Ndikung said, an international gathering around the main exhibition was vital. “We are planning as if this thing will end one day,” he said of the crisis.
Yet even if a vaccine ends Covid-19 contagion, there is a sense that habits are changed for good.Yet even if a vaccine ends Covid-19 contagion, there is a sense that habits are changed for good.
“We all knew that we were supposed to travel less,” said Mr. Visconti, in São Paulo. “We knew there was a need to be more local — not just in art but in everything.”“We all knew that we were supposed to travel less,” said Mr. Visconti, in São Paulo. “We knew there was a need to be more local — not just in art but in everything.”
But the idea of insular art events, where the international exchanges only happen online, contradicts the cosmopolitan, cross-fertilizing impulse of biennials.But the idea of insular art events, where the international exchanges only happen online, contradicts the cosmopolitan, cross-fertilizing impulse of biennials.
“Foreigners have a function to connect locals to locals,” said Ms. Ayas, noting that some Korean artists she and Ms. Ginwala selected for Gwangju are little known in their own country.“Foreigners have a function to connect locals to locals,” said Ms. Ayas, noting that some Korean artists she and Ms. Ginwala selected for Gwangju are little known in their own country.
“It would be strange to only access different contexts, cultures, and ways of being through the screen,” said Ms. Ustek, the Liverpool director. “I still believe in the physicality of encounter.”“It would be strange to only access different contexts, cultures, and ways of being through the screen,” said Ms. Ustek, the Liverpool director. “I still believe in the physicality of encounter.”
Ultimately, Mr. Ndikung, for one, is fine with discarding biennials should they no longer fit the purpose.Ultimately, Mr. Ndikung, for one, is fine with discarding biennials should they no longer fit the purpose.
“I don’t care,” he said. “The point is, can people still do art? Can people express themselves? The biennial is just the container. If it’s not the biennial it will be something else.”“I don’t care,” he said. “The point is, can people still do art? Can people express themselves? The biennial is just the container. If it’s not the biennial it will be something else.”