Exploring the Five Key Themes of the 2024 Whitney Biennial
The 2024 Whitney Biennial, titled “Even Better Than the Real Thing,” curated by Chrissie Iles and Meg Onli, takes a subtle approach compared to previous editions. The exhibition focuses on nuanced connections between works and themes of authenticity and identity. Artists aim to challenge the flattening of identity in the art world and explore the multidimensionality of subjectivity. The exhibit delves into how bodies interact with systems of power, featuring works that address visibility, regulation, and violence against women’s bodies.
Historical and political themes are explored through various artworks, including pieces that tackle colonial legacies, the history of Black Caribbean anticolonialism, and the experience of Chinese actresses preparing for roles. Music also plays a role in the exhibition, with some artists incorporating music and sound into their works.
Assemblage and found object art are prominent, with artists like Ser Serpas and Karyn Olivier using materials to explore themes of balance, collapse, migration, and historical trauma. The exhibit challenges fixed notions of objecthood and encourages viewers to engage with the changing nature of art and the body over time.
The Whitney Biennial 2024 offers a diverse and thought-provoking range of artworks that defy categorization and invite viewers to reflect on a range of social, political, and personal issues.
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Naz Baydar graduated from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Product Design. She furthered her education by completing a master’s degree in Art Direction at Elisava in Barcelona. Her work blends art direction, multimedia narratives, and design to craft innovative and transformative experiences. Naz is passionate about creating visual stories that evoke strong emotions and deliver meaningful impact. In addition to her work, she has a deep interest in philosophy and literature, which continuously inspire and enrich her creative process.