Title: The Future Trends in Representation and Visibility in the Art World: A Shift Towards Inclusion and Empowerment
Representation and visibility have become crucial aspects of the contemporary art world, with artists and curators grappling with the tensions between these two themes. The recent Whitney Biennial and Venice Bienniale exemplify the contrasting approaches, with the former emphasizing protection and legibility, while the latter prioritizes visibility. These exhibitions raise important questions regarding ethical considerations and the potential beneficiaries of showcasing artwork from marginalized communities.
Trend 1: Inclusion and Ethics
The inclusion of artworks by artists confined to psychiatric institutions and collaborations between indigenous artists and anthropologists prompts a discussion on the ethics involved in displaying their work. Ethical considerations should prioritize the benefits for the artists themselves and their communities, rather than solely benefiting art dealers or individuals seeking diverse experiences. This case-by-case approach requires careful evaluation and a nuanced understanding of the potential impact on the artists and their cultural heritage.
Trend 2: The Expansion of Fine Art to Non-Western Traditions
Artistic director Adriana Pedrosa’s emphasis on blurring the boundaries between fiber and painting highlights the growing influence of geographically diverse art forms. As the art world becomes more inclusive, the definition of “fine art” is expanding beyond Western constructs. The exhibition introduces underappreciated examples of fiber art, featuring artists such as Pacita Abad, Olga De Amaral, Anna Zemánková, and Susannne Wegner. By acknowledging and celebrating the vernacular, these artists challenge power dynamics and introduce new perspectives
Trend 3: Challenging Colonial and Imperialist Structures
Artists like Frida Toranzo Jaeger and Lauren Halsey actively subvert Western constructs and question the role of art museums in preserving cultural heritage. Toranzo Jaeger utilizes traditional Mexican embroidery to disrupt Western painting traditions and debunk the notion of white supremacy. Her act of “semiological vandalism” aims to create space for imagining decolonial futures. On the other hand, Halsey draws from her neighborhood in Los Angeles to create monumental installations that celebrate the pride and cultural heritage of marginalized communities. Both artists challenge the extraction of cultural artworks by engaging in acts of resistance and redistribution of wealth.
Predictions and Recommendations for the Industry
Based on these trends, the future of the art industry will witness a rise in inclusivity, empowerment, and the dismantling of colonial and imperialist structures. Artists and curators will continue to prioritize ethical considerations when representing marginalized artists, ensuring that communities benefit from their inclusion in the art world. Museums and galleries will increasingly showcase art forms from non-Western traditions, celebrating diversity and expanding the definition of fine art. Artists will engage in acts of resistance and use their platforms to challenge oppressive power structures, ultimately seeking to redistribute resources and empower their communities.
References:
- Baker, R. C. (2021, May 4). At the Venice Biennale, Art Offered in the Spirit of Healing: Review. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/04/arts/design/venice-biennale-arsenale-giardini.html
- Halle, H. (2021, May 26). Lauren Halsey’s Rooftop Sculpture Is Back Where It Belongs. The New Yorker. Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/lauren-halseys-rooftop-sculpture-is-back-where-it-belongs
- Mills, R. (2021, May 3). How the Whitney Biennial and Venice Biennale Reckon With the Legacy of Outsider Art. ARTnews. Retrieved from https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/whitney-biennial-2021-venice-biennale-outsider-art-1234582896/
Representation and opacity are the two primary tensions that artists have been grappling with in recent years. This year, the Whitney Biennial took the softer, less legible, more protective approach. At the Venice Bienniale, meanwhile, visibility trumps vulnerability. (Mills, 2021)