Bruce Altshuler's 'Biennials and Beyond' Examines 25 Landmark Exhibitions from 1962 to 2002

Bruce Altshuler's book 'Biennials and Beyond' concludes his trilogy on pivotal twentieth-century exhibitions, covering 1962 to 2002. It analyzes 25 shows that reshaped art perception and practice, including Dylaby at the Stedelijk Museum in 1962 and Documenta 11 in 2002. Each case study features an introduction, archival photos, and reprinted texts from catalogues and reviews, allowing historical voices to dominate. Altshuler's style remains concise, building on the acclaim of his earlier works 'The Avant-Garde in Exhibition' (1994) and 'Salon to Biennial' (2008). The selection reflects his personal taste, with examples like Freeze in London (1988) and the Whitney Biennial of 1993. Critics note the book's unclear audience, being too brief for specialists yet bulky for students. However, it showcases curatorial innovation and conceptual energy, offering inspiration for a stagnant exhibition landscape. A potential paperback release could cement its status as a classic.