The Whitney Biennial: A Societal and Economic Reflection, but Lacks Artistic Innovation?

I recently visited the Whitney Biennial and was left feeling disappointed with the exhibition. Despite my own personal opinions, as an economist, I can acknowledge that the show successfully achieved its goal of reflecting our society and economy. The theme of this year’s biennial focused on using artificial intelligence and exploring gender rhetoric and authenticity to examine relationships between identity fluidity, natural and constructed worlds, and the increasing fragility of our world. While there were some intriguing elements in the exhibition, many critics shared my disappointment, stating that much of the work was unimaginative and lacked in risk-taking. Overall, while the Whitney Biennial served its purpose in reflecting societal and economic issues, it fell short in terms of artistic innovation and creativity.