Still Points of the Turning World: Santa Fe Biennale 2006

The 2006 Santa Fe Biennale, named Still Points of the Turning World, was overseen by curator Klaus Ottmann, known for his prior work on the James Lee Byars retrospective. Positioned as a counter to commercial art fairs, the biennial benefitted from the independence of Site Santa Fe. Thirteen artists, ranging from 34 to 69 years old, were chosen to display a variety of media in unique 'chapels.' Highlights included terracotta lattice walls by Cristina Iglesias, sculptures by Robert Grosvenor, and a performance by Jonathan Meese with his mother. The Thorns contributed a 185-day sound piece, while Carsten Nicolai crafted an auditory environment. Artists such as Patty Chang, Peter Doig, and Wangechi Mutu faced criticism. The exhibition concluded with vibrant portraits by Catherine Opie and a word painting by Jennifer Bartlett.