Panel at Cromwell Place Debates Post-Pandemic Art World Geography

On 15 October 2021, a panel discussion at Cromwell Place in London addressed whether geographical centers still define the art world post-pandemic. Moderated by ArtReview's Mark Rappolt, speakers included Dr. Shwetal A Patel, a writer and researcher involved with the Kochi-Muziris Biennale; Dr. Stephanie Rosenthal, director of Gropius Bau in Berlin; and Wendi Norris, founder of Gallery Wendi Norris in San Francisco. The hour-long conversation explored decolonization, remapping, and shifting narratives in contemporary art, questioning if traditional notions of centers and peripheries persist. Cromwell Place, located at 94 Cromwell Place, SW7 2J London, is a membership organization in South Kensington's museum district, housed in five Grade II listed buildings designed by Sir Charles James Freake in 1858. It offers gallery spaces, offices, and a club room, open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday. Patel holds a PhD from University of Southampton, Winchester School of Art, and advises the Kolkotta Centre for Creativity. Rosenthal previously curated the 20th Sydney Biennale in 2016 and worked at the Hayward Gallery and Haus der Kunst. Norris represents artists like Leonora Carrington and María Magdalena Campos-Pons, and serves on the Art Dealers Association of America board. The event considered perspectives from curators, academics, gallerists, and writers on evolving local and regional art dynamics.