Unveiling the 81st Whitney Biennial: Reality in the Age of AI

2019 Whitney Biennial (installation view). Source: Whitney Museum

The Whitney has revealed the lineup for its 81st biennial, Even Better Than the Real Thing. Featuring 71 artists and collectives, the exhibition scrutinizes the concepts of reality in the age of artificial intelligence and the fluidity of identity. 

In a deliberate departure from traditional formats, the curators, Chrissie Iles and Meg Onli, describe this edition as a “dissonant chorus,” reflecting the challenges and complexities of our moment. Beyond a mere survey of American art, the Biennial delves into the heart of America itself, capturing the raw and vulnerable essence of turbulent times.

The theme of the Biennial revolves around the concept of “the real,” reflecting society’s current inflection point influenced by challenges posed by artificial intelligence and ongoing discussions about identity.

The curated works, spanning various mediums such as performance and film, delve into themes like the fluidity of identity, historical and contemporary land stewardship, and embodiment, addressing urgent issues and inspiring the curators with the creativity of the artists. Notable contributions from artists like Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst illuminate the evolving intersection between technology and our perceptions.

2022 Whitney Biennial (installation view). Source: Whitney Museum

The exhibition encompasses a range of emerging talents like Gbenga Komolafe and Tee Park, as well as established artists like Mary Lovelace O’Neal and Pippa Garner. The showcase will also include posthumous displays for Jamaican-born painter Mavis Pusey and filmmaker Edward Owens.

The film and performance programs, curated by notable artists like Korakrit Arunanondchai and Taja Cheek (L’Rain), further enrich the exhibition, providing dynamic dimensions to the overall experience. The artists participating in these programs offer unique insights into the thematic threads explored throughout the Biennial.

The Whitney Biennial, a historically controversial exhibition, has faced criticism on multiple occasions. In 2014, the Yams Collective withdrew from the Biennial due to the inclusion of Joe Scanlon’s “Donelle Woolford” project, where Scanlon impersonated a Black woman.

The 2017 Biennial sparked controversy with Dana Schutz’s “Open Casket,” an interpretation of Emmett Till’s brutalized body. The 2019 Biennial saw artists protesting against the museum’s then-vice chairman, Warren Kanders, linked to weapons manufacturing companies associated with instances of global police violence.

Art Basel Miami Beach 2024

Art Basel Miami Beach 2024: Overview

Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 exudes a vibrant mix of glamour, energy, and diversity. The fair hosts 286 premier galleries from 38 countries, showcasing compelling installations and curated sections, with works that delve into deeply personal narratives and thought-provoking political themes. Since its inception in 2002, Art Basel’s Miami Beach (ABMB) has grown from a

Read more »
Lee ShinJa | Dawn (1980s) | Tina Kim Gallery | Art Basel Miami Beach 2024

Art Basel Miami Beach 2024: Market Pulse

Art Basel Miami Beach 2024, the first major fair after the U.S. elections and the year’s final event, has sparked strong sales and global collector interest. Booth activity has been brisk, hinting at a rebound in the slower market and economy. Bridget Finn, the fair’s director, credited the positive energy to a “post-election moment” that

Read more »
Portia Munson | Bound Angel (2021) | PPOW Gallery | Art Basel

Art Basel Miami Beach 2024: Must-See Booths

Art Basel Miami Beach 2024 maintains the tradition of overwhelming scale, where attending at times feels more like navigating a vast space than enjoying a leisurely exploration of art. Even during a full-day visit, it can be challenging to see every booth. Yet, amidst the abundance, hidden gems await discovery. Portia Munson’s Bound Angel (2021)

Read more »
Be the First
to Know
Sign up to receive the latest art world news and insights, updates about our artists and exhibitions, and
much more.

Contact us

Fill in the form below to inquire about this artwork.

Join our newsletter and grab your free copy of Best Exhibitions Around the World in 2025.

Plus, continue to stay updated on the contemporary art world through a weekly digest of headlines and our own new articles!