If you read or watch the news every day, the world may seem like it’s experiencing major upheaval everywhere you look. Police killings, political reforms, sociocultural shifts—they’re all part of today’s narrative. In Now? Now! (on view through August 30 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver), more than 30 artists from all over the Americas explore and question these pressing issues as well as celebrate the beauty of living in the moment. It’s the central exhibit of the citywide Biennial of the Americas, a cross-cultural festival of ideas, arts, and culture.

At the MCA, the showcase takes over the entire building, extending from the walls to the ceiling to your feet as artists use photography, video, paintings, animation, sculpture, and more to investigate the Biennial’s theme of “now.” Some of the creations respond to media coverage, while others appropriate common cultural artifacts into new messages. All are founded in a sense of place that shifts with each artist, whether it’s New York City or Brazil. The intriguing mix of mediums, styles, and artist backgrounds come together to form a cohesive exhibit that surprises around every corner. As Adam Lerner, MCA director and chief animator, stated at the Biennial kickoff press conference: “The purpose of art is to help us see the world with fresh eyes, and you can’t do that if everyone is speaking the same language.”

Get a peek at the exhibit with the slideshow above.

(More: Your guide to Biennial of the Americas)

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.