Seeking to gauge the year in art, Jadaliyya’s Culture page invited artists, writers, and other cultural practitioners to share their thoughts on some of the most impactful shows of 2018. Together, the reviews below reflect how curatorial practices, particularly in the context of institutions (museums, biennials, and universities), are rapidly changing in order to meet the current demands of criticism and art historical discourse. Issues such as museums and social justice, equity, and decolonization, including cultural heritage and repatriation, remain at the center of intense debates that have played out in nearly every corner of the art world—from the pages of glossy magazines to the galleries of encyclopedic museums. Artists and activist groups are leading the way with biting commentary and direct actions that draw attention to the fact that museums are not neutral but in fact often in the service of power, and that “encouraging dialogue” is not enough. 

From Washington DC to Karachi, our guest writers highlight artists, art collectives, and curators who are part of this necessary shift. By gathering these reviews, we also aim to direct readers to the important work of our contributors.