Moscow Biennale 2011: Rewriting Worlds Amid Scandals and Tech Buzz

The 4th Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art took place from September 23 to October 30, 2011, at the TSUM Foundation and ArtPlay. Director Joseph Backstein encountered controversies, particularly regarding the omission of Russian artists selected by curator Peter Weibel. Funding for commissions was reduced for notable international figures such as Neo Rauch and Gerhard Richter. Opening as scheduled, the biennale featured Weibel's theme "Rewriting Worlds," which competed with Daniel Birnbaum's "Making Worlds" presented at the 53rd Venice Biennale. The primary exhibition resembled an Apple store, targeting a wealthy, youthful demographic. While most artworks were interactive, they lacked critical substance. Although Weibel touched on conflicts, the themes did not resonate with the largely apolitical Russian audience, reflecting the gadget obsession and modernization narrative of the Medvedev presidency.