I’m hoping the news that the Yams, a group of African-American artists, is withdrawing from the Whitney Biennial will prompt a real conversation. Readers should check out Mostafa Heddaya’s story — along with the updates that followed, which answered many of the questions I had about the original report.
What I’m hoping for is not the familiar art-world routine of “engaging in dialogue” and “questioning issues of representation.” I’m hoping for something that actually leads to change.
More than anything, this moment should open a discussion about what the biennial really is and who it is intended for. That question feels more urgent now than ever.
