A toast to the best exhibitions, biennials, fairs, institutions, spectacles, artists, and trends of 2023. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Exhibitions
These top five extraordinary exhibitions transcended traditional showcases, engaging audiences in profound dialogues with artists and the evolving tapestry of culture.
Biennials
The Helsinki Biennial pioneered a sustainable model for ecologically conscious arts programming.
The Bienal de São Paulo addressed societal issues such as racism, patriarchy, capitalism, and state violence.
The Liverpool Biennial explored the profound losses caused by colonialism and slavery.
Art Fairs
Art Basel in Basel, Frieze London, and Art Basel Miami Beach provided visually enriching experiences, featuring global galleries that showcased diverse works and attracted collectors worldwide, resulting in notable sales.
Institutions
The Young V&A, a museum designed exclusively for children up to 14 years old, has emerged as an institution shaped by insights from children, parents, educators, and specialists.
London’s National Portrait Gallery has reopened after a three-year refurbishment, focusing on restoring and updating the building and increasing public space by 20%.
Spectacles
Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang orchestrated a daytime firework display in Tokyo as a prelude to his exhibition at the National Art Center Tokyo.
Frieze Sculpture at The Regent’s Park offered a transformative exploration of works by 21 international artists, delving into themes of empowerment, nature, and societal narratives.
Artists
A recently discovered interview suggested Banksy’s real first name, challenging previous speculations about his identity.
Colombian artist Fernando Botero, known for his distinctive full-bodied figures, passed away in Monaco at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of art that is considered a protest against Latin American colonization.
Trends
Art and luxury converge in a global trend where hotels embrace curated collections, providing guests with immersive experiences beyond traditional galleries.
The film “Oppenheimer” reminded us of the transformative impact of the atomic bomb on modern art, particularly the emergence of Abstract Expressionism in response to the trauma of nuclear warfare.
The film “Barbie” highlighted how contemporary artists, inspired by Barbie’s influence on culture, critique societal expectations and beauty trends through various mediums and interpretations.
