Current Edition: "Small World"

The 13th Taipei Biennial, titled "Small World," is co-curated by Freya Chou, Reem Shadid, and Brian Kuan Wood, and explores the contemporary notion of "smallness" not as a limitation but as a productive concept for understanding our interconnected yet divided world. The exhibition features works by 25 artists and collectives from around the globe.

Taking place at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum from November 18, 2023 to March 24, 2024, this edition examines how local experiences and micro-narratives can offer powerful insights into global systems and shared human conditions. It addresses how small-scale interactions and communities can both resist and navigate larger power structures while fostering meaningful connections across boundaries.

The exhibitions are organized around several thematic clusters including "Intimate Governance," "Domestic Cosmology," "Kinship Beyond Blood," and "Movement Across Scales." These themes explore how individuals and communities negotiate personal and collective identities in a world of increasingly complex systems and relationships.

Curatorial Approach

The Taipei Biennial's curatorial model has evolved significantly since its inception. In its early years, the biennial primarily featured Taiwanese artists with some international participation, but it has gradually expanded to adopt a fully international approach with prominent curators from around the world collaborating with local experts.

The biennial typically follows a thematic structure, with each edition exploring contemporary issues through a specific conceptual framework. This approach allows for a cohesive presentation while accommodating diverse artistic practices and perspectives. Recent editions have addressed themes such as ecological crisis, technological transformation, post-colonial discourse, and new forms of political and social organization.

A distinctive aspect of the Taipei Biennial's curatorial approach is its engagement with Taiwan's unique historical and geopolitical position. Many editions have directly or indirectly addressed Taiwan's complex relationship with China, its democratic development, and its search for international recognition, creating a platform where art becomes a means of exploring political and cultural identity.

History & Evolution

The Taipei Biennial emerged from Taiwan's period of political liberalization following the lifting of martial law in 1987. This democratic transition created space for artistic experimentation and critical discourse that had previously been restricted. The biennial's establishment in 1998 coincided with Taiwan's efforts to increase its international visibility and cultural diplomacy amid complex geopolitical challenges.

Over its history, the biennial has reflected Taiwan's evolving position in the global art world and its navigation of tensions between local cultural specificity and international art discourse. Each edition has built upon previous ones while responding to shifting artistic and political contexts both locally and globally.

Featured Artists

The Taipei Biennial has showcased a diverse range of artists throughout its history, featuring both established international figures and emerging talents from Taiwan and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The biennial has provided a platform for artists engaging with critical contemporary issues through various media, from traditional techniques to cutting-edge digital technologies.

Yao Jui-chung

Taiwanese artist whose work explores historical sites and political narratives through photography and mixed media installations.

Lawrence Abu Hamdan

Turner Prize-nominated artist whose audio investigations examine the politics of listening and acoustic evidence.

Hsu Chia-Wei

Taiwanese artist whose films and installations explore colonial histories and mythology in East and Southeast Asia.

Wu Mali

Pioneering Taiwanese artist and social activist whose work addresses environmental issues and community engagement.