The recently inaugurated Carnegie International in Pittsburgh showcases a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression, emphasizing the theme of collective resilience. Among the standout pieces is Khalil Rabah's video installation, Critical Interrogations: Renewed Belief, which features a striking image of a man being launched over an olive tree, a powerful symbol of endurance from Palestine. Another notable work is Shala Miller's video installation Flight, inspired by Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, which explores themes of freedom and heritage.
During the exhibition's opening weekend, Brooke O'Harra's performance piece Be Holding drew inspiration from a legendary 1976 basketball dunk by Julius Erving. The performance highlighted the importance of teamwork, as participants reflected on how collaboration is essential to achieving greatness.
This year's edition, curated by Ryan Inouye, Liz Park, and Danielle A. Jackson, invites viewers to consider the communal nature of art-making, encapsulated in the exhibition title, "If the word we." This phrase echoes Haytham el-Wardany's exploration of the interconnectedness of individual and collective identities.
The exhibition features 61 artists, including a diverse range from a Filipino online radio station to a Japanese ikebana foundation. Notably, around half of the artists hail from outside the US and Europe, marking a significant shift towards a more global representation in contemporary art.
Among the captivating installations is Buolvvaiguin (With Generations), created by Sámi artists Hans Ragnar Mathisen, Joar Nango, and Elle Márjá Eira, which narrates the shared cultural heritage of the Sámi people through watercolors and architectural elements. Meanwhile, the couple Claudia Martinez Garay and Artur Kameya present their immersive installation La ceniza ya no recuerda qué causó el incendio, drawing on themes of rebellion and identity.
As the exhibition unfolds, it boldly addresses the power of community amidst ongoing global challenges. The curators effectively highlight that collective artistic endeavors are not a new phenomenon, but rather a vital aspect of cultural expression throughout history.
Additionally, the show features historical mini-exhibitions, including a focus on Indonesian fashion photographer Firman Ichsan, whose work reflects the socio-political landscape of the 1970s. The exhibition also revisits Georges Adéagbo's Le Socialisme Africain, which connects decolonization narratives to Pittsburgh's own labor history.
Ultimately, the Carnegie International serves as a reminder that art can foster solidarity and inspire change. As we look to the future, this exhibition emphasizes the potential of collective creativity to address and transcend societal challenges.