Collective Practices Gain Momentum in Contemporary Art, Documenta Fifteen to Feature 14 Groups

The emergence of artist collectives signifies a notable transformation in modern art, highlighted by the nomination of five collectives for the Turner Prize in 2021 and the inclusion of 14 groups in documenta fifteen. This trend has been evolving for more than twenty years, with significant exhibitions such as the 2001 Panorama of Brazilian Art at MAM-SP, showcasing collectives like Clube da Lata and Atrocidades Maravilhosas. The 2006 27th Bienal de São Paulo featured groups like Eloisa Cartonera and Jamac. The 31st Bienal, under the curation of Charles Esche, presented ruangrupa, which is now leading documenta fifteen. Collectives frequently function outside the commercial art sphere, as illustrated by Forensic Architecture and Brazil's #coleraalegria. Critic Hal Foster observes that artists are pursuing alternative frameworks, with documenta fifteen recognizing over two decades of this practice.