The article analyzes the defining themes and styles of the past four years in the international biennial circuit, based on a survey of 130 biennials. It identifies a core group of artists who appeared most frequently, including Ali Eyal, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Carolina Caycedo, Kapwani Kiwanga, and Tuan Andrew Nguyen, among others. Many of these artists are also featured in the upcoming 61st Venice Biennale curated by the late Koyo Kouoh. The piece categorizes their work under two broad themes: "Post-Colonial Post-Conceptualism," which involves poetic engagement with colonial history and artifacts, and "Families and Networks," where artists explore personal and political family histories.
This analysis matters because it reveals the dominant currents shaping contemporary biennial art, offering insight into what curators and institutions globally are prioritizing. The prevalence of post-colonial critique, resource extraction, alternative histories, and family narratives signals a shift away from purely formalist concerns toward politically engaged, research-based practices. Understanding these trends helps collectors, curators, and critics anticipate the direction of major exhibitions like the Venice Biennale and the broader art world conversation.