The Carnegie International, the country's oldest art exhibition, brings 61 artists from around the world to Pittsburgh. Critics celebrate its political commentary on authoritarianism and militarism.

Meanwhile, protests against Jeff Bezos at the Met Gala and guerrilla projections onto his penthouse highlight the ongoing battles for artistic freedom in New York City.

Iran's withdrawal from the Venice Biennale adds to the controversy, while MoMA PS1 presents works by Teresa Margolles that explore grief and violence along the US-Mexico border.

But it’s Pittsburgh where the real magic happens. Critics like Ed Simon argue the exhibition is a must-see for those who want to understand contemporary art beyond New York's spotlight.