Whitney Biennial: A Definitive Survey of Contemporary American Art
The Whitney Biennial is widely regarded as the most significant survey exhibition of contemporary art in the United States. Organized by the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, this recurring showcase serves as a critical barometer for the current state of American creativity, bringing global prominence to influential artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, and Jeff Koons.
Since its inception, the Biennial has evolved from a medium-specific showcase into a comprehensive, all-media event that often reflects the social and political tensions of the era. It is more than just an art gallery; it is a site of cultural dialogue, debate, and occasional confrontation.
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Key Facts
- Established: 1932.
- Frequency: Every two years (Biennial), though it ran as an annual from 1937 to 1973.
- Location: Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City (moved to the Meatpacking District in 2015).
- Scope: A comprehensive survey of contemporary American art across various media.
- Recognition: The Bucksbaum Award has been presented to exhibiting artists since 2000.
The Evolution of the Exhibition Format
The structure of the exhibition has shifted significantly over the decades to accommodate the changing nature of art. When it launched in 1932, the museum organized large group exhibitions that alternated by medium: painting in even years and sculpture, watercolors, and prints in odd years.
In 1937, the museum transitioned to an annual format. For a brief period between 1940 and 1944, the museum held combined exhibitions of contemporary American art, but soon returned to alternating between painting and sculpture. It wasn't until 1973 that the current biennial format—a single, all-media exhibition held every other year—was established.
Expanding Beyond the Gallery
The Whitney has frequently experimented with its presentation and curation. While museum staff often lead the effort, the museum has also invited outside curators, including European experts, to provide fresh perspectives. The exhibition's footprint has also expanded beyond the museum walls, occasionally featuring sculpture exhibitions in Central Park or utilizing the Park Avenue Armory for large-scale installations and performance art, as seen in 2008.
Diversity, Politics, and Controversy
Because it aims to survey the "American" experience, the Whitney Biennial has often become a flashpoint for discussions on race, gender, and political ethics.
The Push for Representation
The museum has faced criticism over the decades regarding the diversity of its artists. In 1970, non-white artists represented less than 1% of the museum's roster; by 1991, that number had risen to only 10%. A turning point occurred in 2010, when women made up the majority of the 55 artists featured for the first time.
The 1993 edition is remembered as the "political" biennial, featuring the most diverse selection of artists in a major American museum up to that time. However, this edition was polarizing. While some praised its social conscience, critics like Robert Hughes dismissed the focus on marginalization and the lack of traditional painting.
Protests and Boycotts
The Biennial has frequently been the target of activism. In 1987, the Guerrilla Girls protested the show for alleged sexism and racism. More recently, the 2014 exhibition faced backlash for a lack of Black artists, leading the YAMS Collective (a group of 38 Black and queer artists) to participate and then withdraw as a form of protest.
Other controversies have centered on specific works and museum leadership. In 2017, Dana Schutz's painting of Emmett Till, Open Casket, sparked calls for its removal. In 2019, several artists boycotted the event—labeling it the "Tear Gas Biennial"—to protest Vice Chairman Warren Kanders, whose company sold military supplies used by Israeli forces during Gaza border protests.
Exhibition Summary
| Year/Period | Significant Event or Change | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Inception | Started as alternating medium biennials. |
| 1937–1973 | Annual Format | Exhibitions held yearly. |
| 1973 | Current Format | Return to all-media biennial structure. |
| 1993 | "Political" Biennial | Most diverse exhibit to date at the time. |
| 2010 | Gender Milestone | Majority of artists were women. |
| 2015 | Relocation | Moved to Renzo Piano-designed building in Meatpacking District. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Whitney Biennial?
It is a major exhibition of contemporary American art organized every two years by the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, serving as a comprehensive survey of the country's current artistic landscape.
How has the format changed over time?
It began in 1932 as a biennial alternating by medium, became an annual exhibition in 1937, and finally returned to its current all-media biennial format in 1973.
What is the Bucksbaum Award?
The Bucksbaum Award is a prize given to an artist exhibiting in the Whitney Biennial, a tradition that began in the year 2000.
Why was the 2019 exhibition called the "Tear Gas Biennial"?
Artists used this term in an open letter to protest the museum's vice chairman, Warren Kanders, whose company supplied tear gas and bullets used by Israeli forces during the 2018–2019 Gaza border protests.
Where is the Whitney Museum located now?
After leaving the Marcel Breuer building on the Upper East Side, the museum opened a new building designed by Renzo Piano in the Meatpacking District in 2015.