The whitney

The whitney biennial exhibit.

I recently went to a panel discussion of various curators, and gallery directors and heard a phrase mentioned with half sincerity "Is any biennial ever successful?" Curious question, and I cannot say that I am in any position to argue one way or another about it,as my experience in biennials is minimal.

I will say that the Whitney is as always hit and miss, across all genres. Also the show is very busy, some may say it is overhung, there is more work than one person can see in 3 hours, so plan to take the day off to get the full effect. Personally I started at the top and worked my way down through, (going down stairs is much easier than going up them.)

On the top floor one is presented with something you don't see in a gallery everyday, giant holes cut in the walls with a sawsall, that people;e are allowed to pass freely through. At first these holes irk the viewer, "who does this guy think he is?" then as you look and pass through them, you realize that they open up and change your interaction with the gallery space. Also at this level is the highlight of the show for me, and by the same artist Urs Fischer, the piece is untitled, made from cast aluminum branches, motors and candles, which slowly draw intersecting circles. It is beautiful in its simplicity.

In the painting and drawing world, make an effort to see "Frederick Douglass Self-Defense Manual Series, Infinite Step Escape Technique #1: Hand Seeks Cotton", as well as Rudolf Stingel, Mark Bradford. Francesco Vezzoli, and you can even grab your own Richard Serra original (photocopy).

It is annoying how with much of the drawing in this show is done with magic markers and pens and other crappy office depot supplies. While it is Liberating to have more barriers broken down as far as media, these pieces leave the viewer feeling cheap and sort of taken advantage of.

Once again with the links.
whitney