2022 Whitney Biennial Explores American Identity Through Abstraction and Social Critique

The 2022 Whitney Biennial, titled 'Quiet As It's Kept,' showcases the work of 63 artists who delve into the vulnerabilities of the American Dream, addressing themes such as civil rights, racial violence, mass incarceration, and environmental harm. Notable pieces include Denyse Thomasos's 1993 works 'Jail' and 'Displaced Burial/Burial at Gorée,' which draw on colonial prison design. James Little employs oil and wax in his 'Exceptional Blacks' series, while Rebecca Belmore's 'ishkode (fire)' is constructed from bullet casings. Video installations feature Coco Fusco's 'Your Eyes Will Be an Empty Word' and Kandis Williams's 'Death of A.' Additionally, Emily Baker's 'Kitchen' installation raises issues of accessibility, and Rick Lowe's painting reflects on the imperfection of art. The exhibit is on view until September 5 at the Whitney Museum of American Art, referencing the 2002 exhibition as a model for exploring identity.