Introduction

The New Museum Triennial is New York City's only recurring exhibition devoted exclusively to emerging artists from around the world. Launched in 2009, the Triennial provides a significant platform for a new generation of artists who are shaping the current discourse of contemporary art and the future of global culture.

Housed in the New Museum's distinctive building on the Bowery in Manhattan's Lower East Side, the Triennial takes advantage of the museum's dedication to new art and new ideas. Each edition is organized by different curatorial teams and centers around thematic explorations that reflect pressing contemporary concerns and artistic innovations of the moment.

Distinguished from other recurring exhibitions by its global scope and focus on artists who have not yet received significant exposure or recognition, the New Museum Triennial has established itself as a crucial incubator for the most groundbreaking voices in contemporary art.

Curatorial Approach

Each edition of the New Museum Triennial is organized by a new curatorial team, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse approaches to the exhibition. Rather than focusing strictly on age, the curators typically define "emerging artists" based on exposure, often selecting participants who have not yet had major solo exhibitions in major institutions.

The exhibition's curatorial approach emphasizes global diversity, with a concerted effort to include artists from regions often underrepresented in international exhibitions. The museum's research processes involve extensive international travel for studio visits, complemented by virtual connections, allowing the Triennial to showcase truly global perspectives on contemporary art practices.

Every edition is organized around a central theme that reflects urgent contemporary issues or dominant artistic approaches of the moment. Previous themes have explored generational identity, resistance to conventional power structures, digital immersion, and resilience in the face of systemic challenges.

History & Development

The New Museum was founded in 1977 by Marcia Tucker as Manhattan's only dedicated contemporary art museum. In 2007, the institution moved into its current building on the Bowery designed by the architectural firm SANAA. Two years later, the museum launched the Triennial as a signature recurring exhibition to fulfill its mission of exploring new art and new ideas.

The inaugural edition in 2009, titled "The Generational: Younger Than Jesus," set the tone for the Triennial's bold approach. It exclusively featured artists under the age of 33, highlighting the influence of youth on cultural and artistic transformation. Subsequent editions have continued to evolve the Triennial's format and focus while maintaining its commitment to emerging artists and forward-thinking curation.

Notable Editions

Over its history, the New Museum Triennial has presented five distinctive editions, each offering unique perspectives on contemporary art practice and global cultural concerns. Each exhibition has occupied the entire New Museum building, creating immersive environments for visitors to engage with new artistic voices.

Younger Than Jesus (2009)

The inaugural Triennial featured 50 artists under the age of 33, exploring how youth culture shapes artistic innovation and cultural transformation.

The Ungovernables (2012)

Examined works by artists born between the mid-1970s and mid-1980s, many of whom grew up during periods of political transition and instability.

Surround Audience (2015)

Explored the effects of technology on human identity, featuring works that examined how images are transmitted, transformed, and consumed.

Songs for Sabotage (2018)

Featured politically engaged works aimed at disrupting and confronting social and economic power structures through various artistic strategies.

Soft Water Hard Stone (2021)

The fifth New Museum Triennial, titled "Soft Water Hard Stone," was co-curated by Margot Norton and Jamillah James. The exhibition's title was inspired by a Brazilian proverb: "Soft water on hard stone hits until it bores a hole," reflecting themes of resilience, perseverance, and gradual transformation.

Featuring works by 40 artists and collectives from 23 countries, the exhibition explored how art can address resistance and persistence in the face of challenging circumstances. Artists in the show investigated the malleability of structures, the fluidity of materials, and the adaptability of both technological and organic media.

Installed throughout all of the museum's galleries, the exhibition presented works across diverse media, from subtle sculptural interventions to immersive installations. Many pieces in "Soft Water Hard Stone" engaged with transformation, entropy, and impermanence, offering a meditation on how small, persistent actions can effect significant change over time.