Kristi Noem 'ICE Barbie' Statue Unveiled in South Dakota
In South Dakota, a bronze statue honoring former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was revealed, showcasing her in 'ICE Barbie' attire alongside her horse, Iceman. This sculpture alludes to Noem's involvement in the Trump administration's immigration policies, which drew criticism. Meanwhile, the inaugural Medina Triennial commenced in Medina, New York, displaying over 100 pieces from 39 artists at 10 venues, curated by Kari Conte and Karin Laansoo, including Mary Mattingly's 'Floating Garden' (2026). Additionally, Taiwanese artists accused the Gwangju Biennale of censorship for omitting their name from promotional materials. The School of Visual Arts faculty union expressed surprise over course cancellations due to budget cuts, while the issue also highlights Shu Lea Cheang's video installation and reviews Barnaby Phillips's book 'The African Kingdom of Gold.'
Key facts
- A bronze sculpture of Kristi Noem was unveiled in South Dakota, showing her in 'ICE Barbie' attire with her horse Iceman.
- The sculpture references Noem's role in Trump's immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
- The inaugural Medina Triennial in Medina, New York, features over 100 artworks by 39 artists across 10 locations.
- Co-Artistic Directors are Kari Conte and Karin Laansoo.
- Mary Mattingly's 'Floating Garden' (2026) is a permanent iteration of Swale, first launched on the East River in 2016.
- Taiwanese artists accused the Gwangju Biennale of political censorship after the country's name was removed from promotional materials.
- The School of Visual Arts faculty union said members were 'blindsided' by course cuts amid a $22 million structural deficit.
- Shu Lea Cheang's four-channel video at Leslie-Lohman Museum allows visitors to move screens, forming a mosaic of trans performances.
Entities
Artists
- Kristi Noem
- Donald Trump
- Sara Reisman
- Mary Mattingly
- Kari Conte
- Karin Laansoo
- Shu Lea Cheang
- Livia Caligor
- Barnaby Phillips
- Aditya Iyer
- Hal Fischer
- Sophie Rivera
- Rania Matar
- Lisa Yin Zhang
Institutions
- Medina Triennial
- Gwangju Biennale
- School of Visual Arts
- Leslie-Lohman Museum
- Jentel Artist Residency
- Venice Biennale
Locations
- South Dakota
- United States
- Minneapolis
- Medina
- New York
- New York City
- Erie Canal
- Western New York
- Venice
- Italy
- Gwangju
- South Korea
- Ghana
- United Kingdom
- Lebanon
- Wyoming
- Bighorn Mountains
- East River