Nari Ward, Diamond Gym, 2008
PROSPECT.1 NEW ORLEANS
I don’t think that the arts need justifications like economic rejuvenation, but as residents of cities like Bilbao, Spain will tell you, monumental art can be a pretty effective way to revive a struggling local economy. I’m a little late on this, but I was really pleased to learn that New Orleans is the location of the largest biennial of contemporary art ever organized in the US. Launched this year, Prospect.1 New Orleans showcases contemporary art from around the world set in a diverse array of venues spread throughout the city. It seems to present a pretty stark distinction to something like Art Basel Miami, the other enormous art show in the US, which displays art in an entirely different setting with an entirely different tone. I don’t want to say too much about it since I haven’t been there and would just be speculating, but if you have the chance to get to New Orleans before it closes on January 19th, put it on your to-do list—and report back to me!
UPDATE: Paddy Johnson of Art Fag City has a two-part photo essay of Prospect.1 up at her blog: here and here
image via The New Yorker
