Art can thrive in the most unfathomable times; 2024 was a year filled with global conflict but it was also a year of exceptional exhibitions. From Botticelli’s rarely seen drawings to sculptural revivals of archaic myths, contemporary takes on traditional crafts, and a world of plastic put to good use; from the story of a disability arts movement to artists’ interventions in institutional collections, to a much-needed mash-up of art and sports; and of course, from past artists with a vision to present-day artists with a loud and clear voice, Hyperallergic’s staff and contributors gathered together a list of our favorites from around the globe. Also, make sure you check out our list of the best New York shows of the year. —Natalie Haddad, Reviews Editor
I’ll Be Your Mirror: Reflections of the Contemporary Queer
Various venues, Detroit, Michigan, May 31–June 30, 2024
Curated by Patrick Burton
When I’ll Be Your Mirror, the second edition of the Mighty Real/Queer Detroit biennial, opened this past summer, the fact that it existed was cause to celebrate. When I was going to college in Detroit, many years ago, it was a different, dangerous environment. As it turned out, the biennial was filled with impressive works by local and national artists. In particular, Wayne State University’s Elaine L. Jacob Gallery presented a deftly curated selection in a range of media. Probably one of the country’s more under-sung university galleries, it’s played host to several shows over the years that would have garnered more attention in a higher-profile city. This was one such show. Among a number of standout works, a small, understated painting by Hugh Steers still lingers in my mind. —NH
Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction
National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, March 17–July 28, 2024
Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. This iteration of the exhibition was curated by Lynne Cooke.
This touring exhibition is sure to become one that scholars, artists, activists, and art lovers return to over and over, not only for its exploration of “the centrality of cloth and fiber in the history of modern art” but for its deep dive into abstraction’s powerful presence across cultures in an increasingly globalized, technology-obsessed world. Whether I was looking at pieces by Ruth Asawa, Shan Goshorn, Harmony Hammond, Ellen Lesperance, Neri Oxman/The Mediated Matter Group, Lyubov Popova, or any others of the nearly 160 works on view, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of awe at how artists have embraced textiles as tools for social and cultural expression and resistance. The show is currently on view at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa and then travels to MoMA. —NZ
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Read full list at hyperallergic.com.
