Artforum Revisits Biennial Debates Amid Format Proliferation and New Challenges

In 2003, Artforum organized a discussion among curators and artists about large-scale international exhibitions like Documenta and the Venice Biennale. Participants included curator Okwui Enwezor, who had overseen Documenta 11 the previous year, Francesco Bonami, director of that year's Venice Biennale, and artists Yinka Shonibare and Martha Rosler. The conversation explored whether such exhibitions should survey contemporary art or present specific arguments, how they address globalization's effects, their relationship to art markets, and their engagement with sponsors. More than twenty years later, with numerous biennials and triennials established worldwide, concerns about 'biennial fatigue' have emerged alongside new issues. These include the ecological impact of these events, their connection to art fairs, potential roles for digital platforms, and economic sustainability for artists and curators. With the 82nd Whitney Biennial recently launched and other major exhibitions like the 59th Carnegie International and 61st Venice Biennale upcoming, Artforum has again gathered experienced professionals to assess the format. They address criticisms about overabundance, globalization, and colonialist practices while suggesting ways these exhibitions could become more equitable, environmentally responsible, and significant in the future.