Raqs Media Collective. Everything Else is Ordinary
Arts | Philosophy | Society & Politics
18+

Raqs Media Collective. Everything Else is Ordinary

Germany Dusseldorf 2018 97
The Raqs Media Collective, founded in 1992 in New Delhi by Jeebesh Bagchi, Monica Narula, and Shuddhabrata Sengupta, operates at the intersection of contemporary art, historical inquiry, philosophical speculation, and political critique. Their work probes the fundamental, often elusive, concepts of time, language, and history, challenging linear narratives and fixed interpretations. Central to their practice is the interrogation of time — not merely as a measurable entity but as a force that governs societal rhythms, disciplines human life, and underpins capitalist structures. In works such as Escapement (2009) and Re-Run (2013), they explore how time shapes experience, asking what it means to measure time and how it intersects with space and history.

Why should you watch this?

The Raqs Media Collective’s exploration of time as a force shaping human experience offers a profound critique of how society functions under capitalism. Their works challenge traditional notions of time, revealing its role in regulating life and framing historical narratives. By dismantling these fixed interpretations, they invite audiences to rethink the ways time is measured, experienced, and manipulated. In doing so, their practice merges art, history, and philosophy, making their work a compelling reflection on the rhythms that shape our individual and collective existence.

Anthropocene Island. The Tallinn Architecture Biennale 2017
Arts | Technology & Science
18+

Anthropocene Island. The Tallinn Architecture Biennale 2017

TAB 2017 kuraatornäitus "Antropotseeni saar"
Estonia Tallin 2017 68

The Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB) 2017delved into the future of urban environments through the lens of biotechnology and non-human-centered design. Curated by Prof. Claudia Pasquero, this fourth edition featured a diverse program comprising the Curatorial Exhibition, a thought-provoking symposium titled “Polycephalum City”, and the Tallinn Vision Competition, alongside satellite events like the Installation Programme exhibition and the bio.School showcase. Over two days, distinguished architects and researchers, including Mitchell Joachim and Rachel Armstrong, gathered to exchange insights on architecture’s intersection with biology and computation, envisioning cities as self-organizing systems. This Biennale not only highlighted innovative architectural practices but also prompted essential discussions on the evolving role of urban spaces in our rapidly changing world.

Why should you watch this?

In our current context, when climate change and urbanization demand urgent attention, it’s crucial to learn about the creative solutions sustainable architecture can provide. This exhibition serves as a vital platform to explore innovative solutions at the intersection of architecture, biology, and technology, emphasizing the importance of sustainable urban development. In today’s rapidly evolving society, where environmental crises impact our daily lives, understanding how cities can evolve into self-organizing entities is more relevant than ever. A guided tour illuminates the intricate relationships between human and non-human systems, fostering a deeper appreciation for how architecture can adapt to our ecological challenges. By engaging with expert interpretations, viewers can gain insight into the pressing issues of resilience, sustainability, and the ethical considerations of urban design, making this experience not only educational but transformative in our quest for a more sustainable future.

Tobias Zielony. Maskirovka [Concealment]
Arts | Culture | Music
18+

Tobias Zielony. Maskirovka [Concealment]

Tobias Zielony. Maskirovka
Germany Berlin 2018 37
Tobias Zielony’s “Maskirovka” offers a striking exploration of Kyiv’s queer techno scene in the wake of the post-Maidan era, blending artistic expression with a profound commentary on societal resistance. This project reflects the duality of its title, capturing moments where identity is both concealed and celebrated amid an unstable political landscape. Through his evocative photographs and a dynamic animated film composed of 5,400 images, Zielony provides a lens into a vibrant, underground community that challenges nationalism and conventional norms. The interplay of nighttime revelry and the stark realities of conflict creates a vivid tapestry, inviting viewers to engage with the multi-faceted narratives of the individuals within, while questioning the representation of Ukraine within broader sociopolitical dialogues. In this nuanced portrayal, Zielony reveals the fragility and resilience of a generation caught between chaos and the pursuit of self-determination.

Why should you watch this?

Tobias Zielony’s “Maskirovka” is a compelling reflection on the resilience and creativity of Kyiv’s queer techno scene, resonating profoundly in today’s world marked by social and political upheaval. Set against the backdrop of the post-Maidan era, this exhibition underscores the ongoing struggle for identity and belonging in the face of repression and misinformation, themes that echo in various global contexts today. By employing the concept of “maskirovka”—a tactic of deception used in conflict—Zielony captures how both artists and activists navigate the complexities of expression and resistance. His photographs and dynamic animated film form a visual narrative that invites critical reflection on the intersection of culture, politics, and personal agency. As societies grapple with fragmentation and polarization, “Maskirovka” reminds us of the power of art to forge connections, challenge norms, and provoke dialogue, making it an essential commentary on contemporary struggles for freedom.

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