To the editor in response to TXB 09,

This time, I’m most excited about the chosen format for the Texas Biennial. Inviting one curator rather than a committee to make a selection brings a fresh (and single) vision to the project, and Michael Duncan was an inspired choice. As a curator and critic, he’s always taken a path that celebrates originality, insights and risk-taking, making this Biennial feel energized, playful and gutsy. His idea to interlace a retrospective for Kelly Fearing (was it really six years ago that CRL and Flatbed presented their big show?) into the group shows was wonderful, and the resurrection of his rarely-seen slide and music works was a great accomplishment. Having small solo shows from each region allows Austinites and others who visit from afar to get a strong dose of accomplished artists we should know better, and the collaboration with AIPP allows Austin to expand its dialogue and experience of temporary public art. All this, plus a catalogue in a box—congratulations to all involved!

Dana Friis-Hansen
Director, Austin Museum of Art