Post-Colonial Themes Dominate Global Biennial Circuit

An analysis of 130 biennials over four years reveals a dominant cohort of artists focused on post-colonial historical reckoning, family histories, and bio-art. The most-shown artists include Nolan Oswald Dennis, Kapwani Kiwanga, Tuan Andrew Nguyen, Sammy Baloji, Joana Hadjithomas & Khalil Joreige, Kiluanji Kia Henda, Monira Al Qadiri, and others. Eight of these artists also feature in the upcoming 61st Venice Biennale curated by Koyo Kouoh. Key themes include post-colonial post-conceptualism, alternative histories, critical science fiction, resource extraction, and the politics of plants and water. Sound art and film installation are prevalent. Artists from Africa and the Middle East dominate, reflecting a shift in cultural credibility away from the West. The analysis notes a continuity with previous biennial trends but an intensified focus on colonial memory.