whitney biennial 2026 first takes
The 82nd Whitney Biennial has opened at the Whitney Museum of American Art, featuring 56 artists, duos, and collectives. Curated by Marcela Guerrero and Drew Sawyer, this edition eschews a formal theme in favor of a sprawling, material-diverse exhibition that emphasizes slow looking and political engagement. Early critical reception suggests a stronger, more cohesive showing than the previous 2024 edition, despite a notable absence of traditional painting.