There are a few traditional paintings on canvas here.  But sculpture, installation and video predominate. Many of the artists use mundane materials in their works: left-over building supplies, street debris, even household garbage

Every two years, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City mounts an exhibition of new art made in the U.S. The show aims to survey contemporary art's newest trends and methods. Not surprisingly, given its influence on young artists and art markets, the result is often controversial. Some have taken to calling it the show that people love to hate. The Whitney's 2008 Biennial, its 74th, continues that tradition. VOA's Carolyn Weaver reports.