March 12, 2004
Whitney Biennial 2004
NY Times review of the 2004 Whitney Biennial has been published. As an explanation to the uninitiated, the Whitney Biennial is one of the biggest events in the contemporary art world. It's the anointing of who's cool and interesting in the art world right now.
This Biennial seems to have focused much more on drawing that any that I can remember, which is good in my view. In the past, there were years where huge self-indulgent photographs and conceptual art were the main viewing options. (review of the 1993 biennial). The inclusion of David Hockney, creator of colorful representational paintings, seems to indicate a lightheartedness may be creeping into the New York Art world.
The Whitney's web site for the Biennial, offers a chance to look at the works from afar. While we miss the experiential light room, we can read snippets of information about each artist and their influences as we view the pieces. The site offers the opportunity to view tiny thumbnail images of the works (see image left) and then view increasingly larger images with more information at each level. Warning: this being New York Art, some of the art works are intentionally offensive and/or shocking.
Posted by sfenton at March 12, 2004 08:59 AMAh, the touted Whitney! I am always at least amused. This year they elected to do an endless flash presentation. Honey, Listen, flash is for the divas who would rather keep the world waiting while they make their grand entrance than get on with the show... I forgot to bring my lunch and refuse to stand in the flash cafeteria line. Another unfortunant example of self-importance being more important than the art. But, gawd knows, they are The Whitney!!
Posted by: csisson at March 15, 2004 11:13 AMWhat's a "Flash presentation?" I have some flashes of insight (as well as of heat) but I think I'd like to have a real definition! June
Posted by: June at March 16, 2004 01:09 AM