2006 Whitney Biennial Outshines Tate Triennial in Curatorial Approach and Artistic Vitality
The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York hosted the 2006 Whitney Biennial, titled 'Day for Night,' from March 2 to May 28. Simultaneously, the Tate Triennial 2006: New British Art took place at Tate Britain in London between March 1 and May 14. Curated by Chrissie Iles and Philippe Vergne, the Biennial received acclaim for its vibrant and varied multimedia pieces, such as Mark di Suvero's Peace Tower. Conversely, Beatrix Ruf's curation of the Tate Triennial was criticized for its lack of engagement and predictability, featuring uninspired installations. Among the highlights were Rebecca Warren's sculptures, while Liam Gillick’s mirror writing provided commentary on the curatorial strategy. The contrasting receptions underscored the significance of curatorial choices.
Key facts
- The 2006 Whitney Biennial 'Day for Night' ran from March 2 to May 28 in New York.
- The Tate Triennial 2006: New British Art was held from March 1 to May 14 in London.
- The Biennial featured a recreated Peace Tower by Mark di Suvero from 1966, linking past and present protests.
- Curators Chrissie Iles and Philippe Vergne emphasized exploring art where 'not everything is understood but everything is questioned.'
- Artist Taylor Mead, connected to Beat figures and Andy Warhol, represented the Biennial's spirit.
- The Tate Triennial was curated by Beatrix Ruf and criticized as predictable and conservative.
- Rebecca Warren's unbaked clay sculptures were a notable exception in the Triennial.
- Liam Gillick's mirror writing exhibit stated 'Nothing has changed all over again,' commenting on the Triennial's curatorial approach.
Entities
Artists
- Spencer Sweeney
- Dawolu Jabari Anderson
- Kelley Walker
- Mark Bradford
- Taylor Mead
- Jack Kerouac
- Allen Ginsberg
- Andy Warhol
- Jim Jarmusch
- Rebecca Horn
- Michael Fullerton
- Liam Gillick
- Rebecca Warren
- Mark di Suvero
- Chrissie Iles
- Philippe Vergne
- Beatrix Ruf
Institutions
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Tate Britain
- François Pinault Foundation for Contemporary Art
- Kunsthalle Zurich
- artcritical
Locations
- New York
- United States
- London
- United Kingdom
- Paris
- France
- Zurich
- Switzerland