Prospect.4 Triennial in New Orleans Critiqued for Curatorial Approach and Local Relevance

The New Orleans triennial, Prospect.4, titled 'The Lotus in Spite of the Swamp,' took place from 18 November 2017 to 25 February 2018 across 17 locations, showcasing the work of 73 artists. Trevor Schoonmaker, the artistic director, received backlash for the exhibition's themes of renewal following Hurricane Katrina and its dependence on institutional venues. The event addressed discussions around public monuments, notably referencing Mayor Mitch Landrieu's removal of Confederate statues in May 2017. Featured artists included Hank Willis Thomas with 'History of the Conquest' and Rebecca Belmore with 'Ayum-ee-aawach Oomama-mowan.' International contributors like Larry Achiampong and Yoko Ono participated, while Genevieve Gaignard's installation at the Ace Hotel stirred controversy. The opening aligned with a mayoral election, during which Landrieu emphasized Prospect's importance amid housing issues.