Visual Arts | Visual Arts

Does ‘American Art’ Exist Anymore?

Every other year since 1895, the Venice Biennale has served as an international stage for some of the most interesting, daring artists working today. You might expect the Biennale to be a place where signs of nationalism abound in some form or another: After all, artists undergo a rigorous selection process by their respective countries before they’re sent to essentially compete against their foreign counterparts. (A jury awards a gold medal, the Golden Lion, to the best artist at the fair.)

I think it does! I also think that American artists need to do a better job of separating art from political statements. I know that will make me unpopular with some people, but it is true.