Afterall Journal Issue 37 Bridges Editorial Work and São Paulo Biennial Curatorial Processes
The 37th issue of Afterall Journal, edited by Melissa Gronlund and released on October 2, 2014, corresponds with the 31st Bienal de São Paulo, which continues until early December 2014. The editorial team, featuring Charles Esche and Pablo Lafuente, contributed to the biennial's themes. This edition explores transformations in contemporary art, focusing on public engagement. Featured essays include a critique of art narratives by Steven ten Thije and Our Literal Speed, Anders Kreuger's insights on the Museum of African Art, and Otobong Nkanga's work with audiences in Lagos. Additionally, Juan Downey's video projects link cybernetics to indigenous cultures. The journal also highlights funding difficulties, referencing budget concerns from Arts Council England and the biennial's role in promoting dissent.
Key facts
- Afterall Journal Issue 37 was published on October 2, 2014.
- The issue was edited by Melissa Gronlund and includes contributions from writers like Tom McDonough, Dieter Roelstraete, Monika Szewczyk, and Catherine Wood.
- Editorial team members Charles Esche, Pablo Lafuente, and Nuria Enguita Mayo worked on the 31st Bienal de São Paulo, which ran until early December 2014.
- The biennial uses 'participants' instead of 'artists' and 'curators' to foster inclusivity and public engagement.
- Essays critique institutional narratives, with the Museum of American Art replicating exhibitions to challenge art's uniqueness.
- Otobong Nkanga's work involves audience interactions and street posters in Lagos to disrupt traditional museum displays.
- Juan Downey's Video Trans Americas (1973–76) applied cybernetics to indigenous cultures in South America.
- Funding issues are discussed, including Arts Council England's standstill budget and a Common Practice conference on public value in November 2014.
Entities
Artists
- Tom McDonough
- Dieter Roelstraete
- Monika Szewczyk
- Catherine Wood
- Charles Esche
- Pablo Lafuente
- Nuria Enguita Mayo
- Steven ten Thije
- Anders Kreuger
- Otobong Nkanga
- Yvette Mutumba
- Juan Downey
- Julieta González
- Manuela Carneiro da Cunha
- Helena Vilalta
- Janice Kerbel
- Anna Lovatt
- Boris Charmatz
- Rosalind Krauss
Institutions
- Afterall
- 31st Bienal de São Paulo
- Museum of American Art
- Museum of African Art in Belgrade
- Arts Council England
- Electra
- Common Practice
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- Our Literal Speed
Locations
- Brazil
- São Paulo
- Belgrade
- Serbia
- Lagos
- Nigeria
- South America
- Amazonian rainforest
- Chicago
- United States
- London
- United Kingdom
Sources
- Afterall —