What Will Define Art in 2026? Key Themes From the Big U.S. Shows | Artnet News
Artnet News
by Ben DavisFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The upcoming major U.S. art exhibitions—Whitney Biennial, Greater New York at MoMA PS1, and Carnegie International—offer insights into the evolving themes of American art in 2026. These shows highlight a shift toward non-traditional curatorial approaches and anti-disciplinary practices, reflecting broader cultural trends. Shared artists like Taína Cruz and Akira Ikezoe suggest overlapping curatorial interests, with Cruz blending elements of folklore, horror, and identity, while Ikezoe explores the fusion of human and natural boundaries through intricate, childlike imagery.
The exhibitions emphasize mood and texture over definitive themes, as seen in Carnegie International’s open-ended title *"If the word we"* and the Whitney Biennial’s absence of a theme. This tentativeness reflects a deliberate move away from clear narratives, focusing instead on collective exploration and indefiniteness. Greater New York avoids titles altogether, opting for a video montage by artists to convey the spirit of the show.
Artists are increasingly defying categorization, embracing multidisciplinary and antidisciplinary approaches. Jason Hirata exemplifies this trend with his ambiguous practice, while Piero Penizzotto’s bold, human-sized papier-mâché sculptures stand out as exceptions in their visual impact. This shift underscores a cultural embrace of ambiguity and indeterminacy, aligning with broader societal shifts toward inclusivity and fluidity.
For art enthusiasts, these trends matter as they reflect the dynamic evolution of contemporary art. The focus on mood, texture, and non-traditional practices signals a move toward more open-ended, inclusive, and explor
Verticals
artculture
Originally published on Artnet News on 2/25/2026