Critique of 2nd Moscow Biennale Highlights Political Discontent and Artistic Failures
The 2nd Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art took place from March 1 to April 1, 2007, under the theme 'FOOTNOTES on Geopolitics, Market and Amnesia,' but it received backlash regarding its implementation. With over $2 million allocated by the government amidst a 40% poverty rate in Russia, many projects were criticized for their lack of originality and inadequate political critique. The market segment aimed to showcase Moscow's economy and draw in international investments, utilizing venues such as TSUM and the Federation Tower, despite facing logistical issues. Significant exhibitions featured 'USA: American Video Art' by Ulrich Obrist, 'History in Present Tense' by Iara Bubnova, and 'Stock Zero' by Nicolas Bourriaud. Yulia Tikhonova, in ARTMargins, recommended that future editions focus more on art education rather than mere spectacle.
Key facts
- The 2nd Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art ran from March 1 to April 1, 2007.
- The theme was 'FOOTNOTES on Geopolitics, Market and Amnesia'.
- The Russian government spent over $2 million on main projects.
- 40% of Russia's population lived in poverty during the biennale.
- Main venues included TSUM and the Federation Tower skyscraper.
- Notable curators included Iara Bubnova, Nicolas Bourriaud, and Ulrich Obrist.
- Arthur Zmijewski's video 'KR WP' (2000) featured naked Polish soldiers.
- Parallel exhibitions included 'We are Your Future' and 'Veruiu (I Believe)'.
Entities
Artists
- Yulia Tikhonova
- Arthur Zmijewski
- Jonathan Hernandez
- Monica Bonvicini
- Vadim Zacharov
- Alexander Ponamarev
- Olga Kiddeleva
- Alexey Bulgakov
- Tania Bruguera
- Fang Lijun
- Huang Yan
- Oleg Kulik
- Sergey Anufriev
- Dmitry Gutov
- Mikhail Bode
- Victor Pinchuk
Institutions
- 2nd Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art
- ARTMargins
- Gaz Group
- Winzavod
Locations
- Moscow
- Russia
- New York
- United States
- Ukraine
- Poland
- China
- Latin America
- Eastern Europe