[PODCAST] The 2026 Whitney Biennial—What Can Art Do Now

Written By Paddy Johnson

Michelle Lopez, Pandemonium (2025).

Artist William Powhida and Netvvrk Operations Director Penny Retica join me to discuss the 2026 Whitney Biennial, curated by Marcela Guerrero and Drew Sawyer. We walk through the show's major themes—human-animal relationships, infrastructure, economic critique, and the handmade.  

Our conversation explores the possibilities brought forward by the biennial. Does it represent a search for art’s utility in a moment of uncertainty? Is its focus on feeling over confrontation, a curatorial choice or a broader retreat? What are the consequences of omitting collaborative work and art showcasing decentralized resistance? 

Like all good conversations, this one doesn't offer easy answers. We examine what the biennial reveals about the current moment, and in a time that feels directionless, that critical work can feel grounding.

Guests: William Powhida, artist Penny Retica, Netvvrk operations director

Additional Reading:

Art Problems Podcast, Episode 85: What is Killing the New York Art Fairs, Part 2

Paddy Johnson https://vvrkshop.art
Next

[BONUS] From Treading Water to Landing Commissions in One Year with Yuko Oda