The Whitney Biennial, a hallmark event in the American art scene, has always been a reflection of the current state of the nation. In 2024, against a backdrop of global turmoil and domestic unrest, curators Chrissie Iles and Meg Onli have curated a bold and thought-provoking exhibition titled “Even Better Than the Real Thing,” set to open to the public on March 20. Departing from the overtly political themes of previous editions, this year’s Biennial delves into the realm of conceptual art, focusing on the theme of bodies in flux.
The exhibition marks a departure from the opulent displays of the past, favouring conceptual depth over visual extravagance. Works on display revisit Minimalism, a movement characterized by stark industrial forms arranged with precision. Charisse Pearlina Weston’s sculpture, composed of semi-translucent smoked glass sheets, challenges viewers with its enigmatic presence, while Carolyn Lazard’s Medicine Cabinet series offers a contemporary reinterpretation of Donald Judd’s minimalist aesthetic.
The Biennial introduces a new kind of body art, one that eschews direct representation in favour of abstract forms and materials. Artists like Jes Fan and Harmony Hammond explore the human body through abstract sculptures and cryptic paintings, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of bodily autonomy and transformation.
Holland Andrews’s sound piece, “Air I Breathe: Radio,” fills the exhibition space with echoes and hums, evoking alternate corporeal states. This shift towards conceptual exploration mirrors the broader societal challenges to bodily autonomy, including threats to reproductive rights and anti-trans legislation.
The exhibition also features works by a diverse range of artists, including those from immigrant backgrounds, who offer unique perspectives on trauma and resilience. Maja Ruznic’s transcendent paintings reflect on her family’s flight from war-torn Bosnia, while Seba Calfuqueo channels her indigenous heritage in a powerful video installation.
Notably absent from the Biennial are explicit references to global conflicts and crises. Instead, artists choose to confront themes of trauma and oppression through decadence and abstraction. The exhibition challenges viewers to confront their preconceptions about American identity and cultural heritage.
As the art world grapples with ongoing social and political upheaval, the Whitney Biennial stands as a testament to the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change. “Even Better Than the Real Thing” offers a nuanced exploration of the human condition, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of contemporary life.