Raqs Media Collective. Everything Else is Ordinary

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.

If our soup can could speak: Mikhail Lifshitz and the Soviet Sixties

The exhibition is dedicated to one of the most enigmatic, mysterious, and controversial philosophers of the USSR and his famous anthology of polemical texts, The Crisis of Ugliness, which criticizes the art of the 20th century. The retrospective showcases never presented before archive documents, Lifshitz’s texts, and artworks in ten interiors, each representing a milestone in the development of modernism or Lifshitz’s thought: 10 rooms – 10 stages of Soviet history – 10 knots in Lifshitz’s biography. The project is the first large-scale analysis attempt of the tense relationship between so-called progressive art and politics in the XX-XXI century.

Why should you watch this?

This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the deep connections between art, politics, and society. Lifshitz’s The Crisis of Ugliness offers a rare Soviet critique of modernism, challenging Cubism and Pop Art in ways that still resonate today. The exhibition’s exploration of these ideas through archival materials, artworks, and Lifshitz’s own writings sheds light on the complex relationship between avant-garde art and political ideology. In a time of global crisis, Lifshitz’s critiques are more relevant than ever, inviting viewers to reconsider the role of art in shaping social consciousness.

Vladimir Bogdanov. Retrospective (Part of “The Classics of Russian Photography” Program)

As part of the Classics of Russian Photography program, MAMM presents the first large-scale retrospective of renowned contemporary photographer Vladimir Bogdanov. The exhibition features over 100 photographs from the Multimedia Art Museum, Moscow, highlighting his work from the 1960s to the 1990s. Born in 1937, Bogdanov’s artistic journey began during the Khrushchev thaw, a period that allowed artists to explore themes beyond socialist realism. This era marked a shift where humanism replaced official dogma, enabling photographers to capture the lives of ordinary people. In 1955, while studying at the Textile Institute, he joined the Leningrad photo club VDK, transforming his passion into a profession. His compelling images reflect a deep connection to Russian society and its complexities during a time of change.

Why should you watch this?

The retrospective exhibition of Vladimir Bogdanov at MAMM is a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of Russian photography. With over 100 photographs spanning three decades, it showcases Bogdanov’s profound ability to capture the nuances of everyday life against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. Emerging during the Khrushchev thaw, his work offers a rare glimpse into a time when artists could break free from the constraints of socialist realism. Each image is not just a photograph but a reflection of human experience and resilience, making this exhibition a poignant exploration of cultural identity and history. Engaging with Bogdanov’s art invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of Russian society, enriching their understanding of both past and present.

Maya Schweizer – Voices

Human perception of time often resembles a collage — fragmented and layered, shaped by memory and experience. Berlin-based artist Maya Schweizer captures this complexity through her unique language of short film. In her work, everyday spaces become carriers of memory, interweaving found footage, situational observations, and soundscapes to create immersive, multifaceted narratives. Schweizer’s art subtly explores the intricacies of cultural identity and the role individuals play as political actors, encouraging deeper reflection on how we engage with our surroundings and their embedded histories. In her solo exhibition Stimmen (Voices) at the Museum Villa Stuck, composed of 10 films spanning the past 14 years, Schweizer gives voice to those who have disappeared, recounting stories of violence, memory, and loss, particularly within the context of German history and Munich’s past. By blending personal and collective histories, her work oscillates between documentation and staged reality, using urban spaces as laboratories for examining overlapping historical layers. As viewers dive into the culture of remembrance, Schweizer uncovers new and often unsettling depths of human memory, sparking a reflection on the invisible ties between people, places, and their histories.

Why should you watch this?

Maya Schweizer’s exhibition illuminates pressing issues of collective memory, identity, and the power dynamics embedded in our urban environments. In an age where historical narratives are constantly contested and reshaped, Schweizer’s work offers a profound reflection on how personal and societal histories intersect, particularly in divided or marginalized spaces. Her exploration of everyday locations — spaces that might seem mundane — invites viewers to question how memory is inscribed into these environments, often highlighting forgotten or overlooked stories. With rising global tensions surrounding borders, migration, and the politics of identity, Schweizer’s art becomes a timely and poignant commentary on how we perceive and interact with both physical and symbolic boundaries. A guided tour offers a deeper understanding of these complex themes, fostering critical engagement with the socio-political narratives that shape our contemporary world.

Katrin Nenasheva. Between Here and There: Stories of City Isolations

Between Here and There: Stories of Urban Isolation is an exhibition by Katrin Nenasheva that explores the lives of individuals permanently isolated in psychiatric institutions. In her performance, Nenasheva traversed city streets wearing virtual reality glasses displaying panoramic images from these institutions, highlighting the barriers that separate their world from ours. She engaged with the public in various locations, including the subway and Red Square, inviting them to experience her perspective and share the motivations behind her work. The exhibition presents documentation of her journey, allowing visitors to engage with virtual reality themselves, fostering a dialogue between “here” and “there.” This immersive experience encourages reflection on societal isolation and connection.

Why should you watch this?

Katrin Nenasheva’s exhibition Between Here and There: Stories of Urban Isolation offers a profound exploration of the often-overlooked lives of individuals in psychiatric institutions. By donning virtual reality glasses that display panoramic views of these spaces, Nenasheva creates a striking connection between the isolated and the public, inviting visitors to step into her shoes as she navigates familiar urban landscapes. This immersive performance, paired with documentation of her interactions in locations like the subway and Red Square, blurs the lines between separation and engagement. Through this unique experience, attendees are encouraged to confront their perceptions of mental health, societal isolation, and human connection, prompting vital conversations about empathy and understanding in our communities.

Bauhaus – Shanghai – Stalinallee – Ha-Neu. The life of architect Richard Paulick, 1903­–1979

Richard Paulick’s career was a mosaic of contradictions — modernist Bauhaus ideals alongside socialist industrialism, avant-garde innovation woven into national architectural traditions. His life was marked by war, shifting ideologies, and forced relocations, yet his dedication to architecture never wavered. Paulick emerged as one of the most influential architects of the German Democratic Republic, breathing new life into war-torn cities like Dresden and Berlin, while also shaping the industrial landscapes of smaller East German towns. Remarkably, his work extended far beyond Europe’s borders, leaving a legacy in pre-communist Shanghai as well. The exhibition at the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, a beacon of German avant-garde architecture, vividly captures Paulick’s lifelong quest for self-realization in the face of the political and social currents of the 20th century. Through his work, the complexities of personal and ideological resilience unfold, offering viewers a window into both the man and the turbulent world he helped to shape.

Why should you watch this?

This exhibition offers more than just an understanding of Richard Paulick’s architectural legacy — it provides timely insights into the enduring tension between modernism, tradition, and the political influence on design. In today’s context, where cities worldwide face the issues of sustainable development, urban sprawl, and the preservation of cultural identity, Paulick’s work exemplifies the challenges of building for both functionality and aesthetic character under shifting ideologies. The guided tour illuminates how these issues resonate in contemporary debates about urban planning, sustainability, and the role of architecture in shaping not only cities but societal values. Understanding Paulick’s adaptive yet visionary approach offers fresh perspectives on the balance we seek today between innovation and heritage.

Alexander Grinberg. Movement. 1920s

Step back into the vibrant world of the 1920s with the Movement. 1920s exhibition, which captures the revolutionary spirit and artistic innovation of this transformative decade. Celebrating a surge of creativity across visual arts, architecture, and design, the exhibit showcases how artists challenged traditional norms and embraced new mediums and themes. Through a carefully curated selection of works and engaging installations, visitors can explore the interplay between art, politics, and society during a time marked by upheaval and change. From the bold geometries of constructivism to the experimental forms of avant-garde movements, Movement. 1920s invites audiences to witness how the decade laid the groundwork for contemporary art, illuminating the ongoing dialogue between past and present in the ever-evolving landscape of visual culture.

 

 

Why should you watch this?

This exhibition features a diverse array of works that reflect the pulse of a society in transformation — bold colors, experimental forms, and a celebration of motion that captures the zeitgeist of post-war optimism. Each piece invites the viewer to engage with the revolutionary ideas that shaped modern art, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the interplay between culture and creativity. It demonstrates how artists of the 1920s broke boundaries and redefined artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary landscape.

TIME FOR OUTRAGE! Art in Times of Social Anger | Trumpism

Can anger and rage be justified in a world riddled with oppression and inequality? Are these emotions destructive forces or vital catalysts for social change? As democracy faces crises and populism gains ground globally, these questions have sparked renewed debate. Contemporary artists have responded, using their work to navigate and challenge the pressing issues of our time.

The exhibition ‘Time for Outrage!’ in Düsseldorf explores these questions through six thematic blocks: Right-wing Shift, Trumpism, Protest, Postcolonialism, Feminism, and Discrimination. Across a diverse range of mediums — including installations, drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, and video art — 40 international artists immerse viewers in the visceral realms of protest, social dissent, and public anger. The exhibition doesn’t just present anger as a raw emotion; it portrays it as a vehicle for dialogue, resistance, and empowerment in the face of systemic injustice.

A substantial portion of the works on display come from the collection of entrepreneur and collector Florian Peters-Messer, whose commitment to socially engaged art amplifies the urgent messages these pieces convey.

Why should you watch this?

As political polarization, social inequality, and widespread protests dominate global headlines, the exhibition sheds light on the emotional and political power of anger as a response to injustice. The tour offers nuanced insights into how contemporary artists interpret and challenge societal issues like fake news, racial violence, and the erosion of democratic values. By exploring the different artistic expressions of outrage, viewers gain a richer understanding of how these works speak to our current moment, making the exhibition incredibly relevant as we navigate a world increasingly defined by conflict and resistance.

Human Condition. Session III. “Time And Senses”: Trauma, Memory, Oblivion, Knowledge. Exhibition “The Haunted House”

The Human Condition exhibition, a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary art that delves into the complexities of human experience. This showcase features a diverse collection of works that challenge perceptions and provoke dialogue about identity, society, and the emotional landscape of modern life. Each piece serves as a mirror, reflecting the multifaceted nature of existence in today’s world. Through innovative mediums and striking visuals, the artists invite viewers to engage deeply with themes of vulnerability, connection, and resilience. This exhibition is not just a display of art; it’s an immersive journey that encourages introspection and a deeper understanding of what it means to be human in an ever-evolving society.

Why should you watch this?

А thought-provoking contemporary art exhibition that delves into the intricacies of identity and societal dynamics in our rapidly changing world. This collection brings together diverse artists whose works challenge perceptions and provoke dialogue about what it means to be human today. Through innovative mediums and poignant narratives, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on personal and collective experiences, making it an essential exploration for anyone interested in the intersections of art, culture, and self. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with pieces that resonate deeply with our shared humanity, encouraging both introspection and conversation. Experience art that speaks to the heart of contemporary life — your perspective might just change.