Fourth Toronto Biennial of Art brings more than 30 artists and collectives together around the theme of rupture
In her article for The Art Newspaper, Hadani Ditmars explores the fourth edition of Toronto Biennial of Art, titled Things Fall Apart and curated by Allison Glenn. Bringing together more than 30 artists and collectives across Toronto, Lake Ontario, and partner institutions in other North American cities, the 12-week biennial examines rupture as a way of understanding the present, while tracing connections between the Great Lakes region and trade routes, waterways, and journeys across five continents. The edition includes 16 new commissions and unfolds through exhibitions, performances, artist-led programming, and a three-day public gathering bringing together artists, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, scientists, musicians, and other participants.
Among the artists featured is Raphaël Barontini, whose presentation at the Royal Ontario Museum forms part of the biennial’s broader exploration of movement, history, and interconnected geographies. Ditmars situates his work alongside projects by artists including Rebecca Belmore, Julien Creuzet, and Brendan Fernandes, whose installations and performances engage with waterways, migration, community, resistance, and cultural histories. Together, the works reflect Glenn’s interest in rupture as a generative force, while extending the biennial beyond a single exhibition into a citywide and international network of artistic exchange.
