Liverpool Biennial 2025 Explores City's Foundations Through Art

The Liverpool Biennial 2025, curated by Marie-Anne McQuay, explores the theme 'Bedrock,' focusing on the city's socio-cultural and geological roots, and will continue until 14 September. McQuay emphasizes Liverpool's intricate past as a port pivotal to the transatlantic slave trade and its vibrant present shaped by migration. Turkish artist Cevdet Erek's installation, 'Away Terrace (Us and Them)' (2025), features a large earth-brick football stadium in a downtown warehouse, invoking tribal emotions through ritualistic sound. Ugandan artist Odur Ronald presents works at The Bluecoat, including aluminium passports and chairs symbolizing the ship Brooks, alongside silver sneakers at Seven Store HQ. Elizabeth Price's film 'HERE WE ARE' (2025) in Chinatown examines modernist Catholic churches and migrant narratives. Canadian-Lebanese artist Nour Bishouty’s installation at the Walker Art Gallery reflects on colonial museum contexts, inspired by her father’s artwork. Mounira Al Solh's piece, 'I Strongly Believe in Our Right to Be Frivolous' (2012–), is displayed at Tate Liverpool's temporary RIBA North location. The biennial showcases diverse venues, including Chinatown and local pharmacies, highlighting Liverpool's identity as a tapestry of histories and cultures shaped by immigration.