There’s a particular kind of cursed vibe that’s everywhere. It’s all over culture. The news vibrates with it. It may be even key to understanding the way art and politics feed each other right now.

Throughout the Sharjah Biennial, works are described using politicized language that highlights the vast social and environmental ideas tackled.

Attendees of the $349 “ Don’t Die Summit ” at the west side’s Javits Center tried red light therapy, discovered their ...