Medina Triennial and Aldrich Decennial Question the Meaning of Local in Art

Jenny Wu’s review takes a closer look at two exhibitions in upstate New York and Connecticut, focusing on the idea of locality in contemporary art. The first exhibition, the Medina Triennial, named "All That Sustains Us," took place in Medina, home to about 5,800 residents. This event was put together by the New York Power Authority and the New York State Canal Corporation, showcasing works from 39 artists across five continents in various local spots. However, local figures like Arthur Barnes and filmmaker Rhonda Parker expressed disappointment over the lack of artists from Medina. In contrast, the Aldrich Decennial in Ridgefield, Connecticut, which has a population of 25,000, mandated that artists be state residents. Despite featuring artists like Dominic Chambers and Emily Larned, it struggled to establish a strong local presence. Wu cites Lucy Lippard and Arjun Appadurai to delve into the topic of locality.