documenta 15: Activism Over Art? A Critical Review

Daniele Capra's review of documenta 15, curated by the Indonesian collective ruangrupa, criticizes the exhibition for prioritizing participatory processes over artistic quality. The show, held in Kassel from June 18 to September 25, 2022, is described as an 'auraclastic' experience where works feel like theatrical props or bazaar items. Capra argues that the curatorial model, based on the 'lumbung' principle of collective resource sharing, aimed to dissolve authorship and challenge Western capitalist and colonialist art paradigms. However, he finds the majority of works mediocre, with notable exceptions like Małgorzata Mirga-Tas's tapestries, Selma Selman's precious metal interventions, Tamás Péli's paintings, Safdar Ahmed's videos on detention, Dan Perjovschi's installation, Wajukuu Art Project's shantytown, and Sebastián Díaz Morales's video. Capra notes that the most impactful works are often by individual artists, not collectives. He also addresses the antisemitism controversy surrounding Taring Padi's mural, defending its intent as a critique of Suharto's regime and Israeli involvement, and condemning its removal as a political gesture. The review concludes that the exhibition's activism undermined artistic results, producing 'rubble' rather than new architectures, and criticizes the demonization of galleries and collectors.