# Ekow Eshun Unveils Curatorial Vision for 13th Site Santa Fe Biennial The upcoming exhibition explores alternative world-building through diverse international artistic practices in New Mexico. - **Source:** [The Art Newspaper](https://www.theartnewspaper.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/81f4d20f-f338-46ce-a538-b5ef4e60cd39 ## Curatorial Vision for 2027 Curator Ekow Eshun has announced his vision for the 13th Site Santa Fe International Biennial, titled There Are Other Worlds. Running from 11 June 2027 to 10 January 2028, the event will feature over 40 artists from 15 countries. It aims to reveal how artistic practices can inspire kinship during complex times. ## Structure of Interlocking Territories The exhibition is organized into three distinct sections described as interlocking territories. These include Worlds Beyond, which examines psychological perception; Worlds in Common, focusing on social connection; and Worlds Alive, which explores our relationship with nature. This framework allows for a multifaceted investigation into how artists challenge and shape our reality. ## Drawing from Regional History Eshun draws significant inspiration from New Mexico’s layered history, including its legacy of colonial settlements and 20th-century artistic communities. By referencing the Transcendental Painting Group of the 1930s, the curator connects the biennial to the region's long-standing tradition of metaphysical and psychological exploration, grounding the international event within the local landscape. ## Diverse Global Artist Lineup The biennial features a mix of US-based and international talent, including Cauleen Smith, Raven Chacon, and Olafur Eliasson. Nearly half of the participants are from the United States, with five artists specifically based in New Mexico. This geographic diversity supports Eshun’s goal of creating a locally rooted exhibition with a broad international scope. ## Nature and Collective Living The Worlds Alive section emphasizes a shift away from extractivist relationships with the planet. Artists like Delcy Morelos contribute to this discourse by treating the earth as both a physical and ethical territory. The section encourages visitors to consider the planet as a living space where all creatures possess a collective voice. ## Challenging Binary Perspectives In response to current global divisiveness and environmental crises, Eshun seeks to move beyond binary positions. By showcasing works that hold complexity and contradictions, the exhibition invites viewers to engage with emotional and sensory worlds. The curator hopes these artistic interventions will foster empathy and possibility rather than providing simple, definitive answers. ## Community and Site Integration Spanning more than six venues across the city, the biennial is designed to exist in active conversation with the community. Site Santa Fe, founded in 1995, continues its tradition of showcasing international artists while building upon the social fabric of New Mexico. Community programming remains a central pillar of the event's overall strategy. ## Significance of the Biennial As one of the key contemporary art events in the United States, the 13th edition marks a significant moment for the Santa Fe art scene. By bridging the gap between local history and global concerns, the exhibition serves as a platform for reimagining our collective future through diverse, imaginative, and sensory artistic experiences. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/11/12/site-santa-fe-curator-ekow-eshun-outlines-vision-13th-biennial — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._