Toronto Biennial's 'The Shoreline Dilemma' Confronts Colonial Legacy Amid Real Estate Development
The first Toronto Biennial of Art, titled 'The Shoreline Dilemma', took place from 21 September to 1 December 2019 across multiple locations, including a former Volvo dealership and the Small Arms Inspection Building. Curated by Tairone Bastien and Candice Hopkins, the event highlighted issues surrounding land rights and indigeneity. AA Bronson presented 'A Public Apology to Siksika Nation' (2019), reflecting on his great-grandfather's involvement in residential schools. The collective New Red Order produced 'Never Settle' (2019), which satirized corporate activism. Maria Thereza Alves explored the altered path of the Don River in Riverdale Park West. Additionally, a film series called 'The Drowned World', curated by Charles Stankievech, showcased films at Cinesphere IMAX, prompting discussions about art in the context of real estate speculation.
Key facts
- Toronto Biennial of Art's inaugural edition ran 21 September - 1 December 2019
- Exhibition titled 'The Shoreline Dilemma' curated by Candice Hopkins and Tairone Bastien
- Main venues included a former Volvo dealership and Small Arms Inspection Building
- AA Bronson presented 'A Public Apology to Siksika Nation' collaborative project
- The New Red Order collective created immersive installation 'Never Settle'
- Film program 'The Drowned World' screened at Cinesphere IMAX theatre
- Maria Thereza Alves created offsite project in Riverdale Park West
- Critic previously visited Prospect New Orleans (2017) and other North American biennials
Entities
Artists
- AA Bronson
- Adrian Stimson
- Adam Khalil
- Zack Khalil
- Jackson Polys
- Maria Thereza Alves
- Revital Cohen
- Tuur van Balen
- Pauline Oliveros
- Cyprien Gaillard
- Charles Stankievech
- Candice Hopkins
- Tairone Bastien
- Ben Miller
- John William Tims
- Gwyneth Paltrow
Institutions
- Toronto Biennial of Art
- General Idea
- The New Red Order
- Siksika Nation
- Anglican
- Cinesphere
- Ontario Place
- ArtReview
- Prospect New Orleans
- SITE Santa Fe
- Front Triennial
Locations
- Toronto
- Canada
- Mississauga
- Riverdale Park West
- Don River
- Ontario Place
- New Orleans
- United States
- Santa Fe
- Cleveland
- Venice
- Italy
- Kassel
- Germany
- Gwangju
- South Korea
- Detroit
- Bible Belt
- Sun Belt
- Rust Belt
- Siksika Nation