May you live in interesting times—Ralph Rugoff got his wish and then some. The 58th Venice Biennale has been upended before opening, with the jury’s collective resignation adding to the drama, as they refused to consider countries accused of crimes against humanity for awards.
The financialization and ‘administrification’ of art schools are also cause for concern, with admin jobs growing by 369% since 1976 while full-time faculty numbers barely increased. Meanwhile, artist Xandra Ibarra's nude performance at MFA Boston sparked conversations on consent and viewer etiquette.
Elsewhere, Banksy has returned to London with a new anti-imperialist monument, and Tania Bruguera reflects on the necessity of political art in times of rising authoritarianism. Craft and photography also take centre stage, with fellowships and fairs celebrating underrepresented histories and narratives.
The Venice Biennale's shake-up is emblematic of broader changes in our world—times that feel both endlessly fascinating and frustratingly unpredictable.
