The Whitney Biennial this year left me feeling disappointed overall. It was difficult for me to differentiate between art and an HR training video in one video installation. However, as an economist, I must acknowledge that the exhibition did achieve one of art’s primary purposes. It served as a reflection of society and the economy. Through this year’s biennial, it became apparent how elite institutions in America are hindering innovation and creativity.
The theme of this year’s show centered around utilizing artificial intelligence to explore the relationships between the mind and body, identity fluidity, and the vulnerability of both the natural and constructed worlds. While I did appreciate some aspects of the exhibition, my sentiments were shared by others who also found it lacking. Many critics voiced their opinions that much of the content was predictable and risk-averse.
Allison Schrager, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and contributing editor of City Journal, brought forward these views in a recent piece on Bloomberg Opinion. The Whitney Biennial succeeded in showcasing the impact of elite institutions on stifling innovation and creativity in America. Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images.