elpais.com
São Paulo Biennial: A Commentary on the State of Humanity
The 35th São Paulo Biennial, curated by Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, explores the concept of humanity through 125 artworks by diverse artists, questioning the world's trajectory and proposing alternative ways of living together.
- How does the Biennial address issues of decolonization and social justice?
- The Biennial showcases the knowledge of Yoruba, Nguemba, Amazigh, Urdu, Mori, Candomblé, and Sufi cultures, alongside feminist, Black, and queer traditions. It builds on the previous edition's focus on decolonization and counter-narratives, featuring a high percentage of non-white artists and addressing themes of resistance against dehumanization, land exploitation, and authoritarianism.
- What is the central theme of the São Paulo Biennial, and what is its significance?
- The central theme is "humanity," a concept rarely explored in large art exhibitions. The Biennial challenges the traditional, exclusionary Western understanding of humanism, instead promoting a more inclusive concept that respects other species and cultures. This broadens the conversation around humanity's future.
- What are the long-term implications and potential impacts of this Biennial's approach?
- By prioritizing diverse voices and artistic expressions, the Biennial models alternative ways of coexistence. Its focus on beauty as resistance and its emphasis on dialogue and listening could foster deeper global conversations about inclusion, environmental sustainability, and social justice, influencing future artistic and cultural projects.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the São Paulo Biennial as a significant commentary on the state of the world, highlighting its political positioning and the curator's concerns about humanity's trajectory. The emphasis on the curator's vision and the Biennial's theme of 'humanity' shapes the narrative. The selection of quotes from the curator and artists reinforces this framing. However, the article also presents diverse perspectives from different artists, preventing a solely optimistic or pessimistic view.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive, although terms like "violent and toxic" to describe the world's trajectory might be considered somewhat loaded. The article avoids overly positive or negative language when describing individual artworks, favoring a balanced approach. However, words like 'banal' to describe the concept of humanity could be interpreted as biased.
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a comprehensive overview of the Biennial, potential omissions include a detailed analysis of the financial aspects of the event, the inclusion process for artists, and a more thorough exploration of potential criticisms of the Biennial's themes or execution. The focus is primarily on the artistic content and curatorial vision.
Gender Bias
The article mentions the inclusion of feminist, Black, and queer traditions within the Biennial. While it does not explicitly detail the gender balance of participating artists, the mention of these traditions suggests an effort towards equitable representation. More specific data on gender representation amongst the artists would strengthen this aspect.
Sustainable Development Goals
The bienal indirectly addresses No Poverty by promoting art as a form of resistance against systemic issues like exploitation and resource depletion, which disproportionately affect impoverished communities. The focus on community, alternative models, and inclusion suggests an underlying aim to empower marginalized groups and potentially alleviate poverty through cultural awareness and advocacy.