Raqs Media Collective to Curate 11th Shanghai Biennale Titled 'Why Not Ask Again?'

Raqs Media Collective, comprising Jeebesh Bagchi, Monica Narula, and Shuddhabrata Sengupta, has been selected as chief curator for the 11th Shanghai Biennale. The exhibition, titled 'Why Not Ask Again? Manoeuvres, Disputations and Stories,' will open on 11 November 2016 at Shanghai's Power Station of Art (PSA). This Indian artist and curator group drew the title from their interpretation of Ritwik Ghatak's 1974 film 'Jukti Takko Aar Gappo,' which translates to 'Arguments, Counter-Arguments and Stories.' Ghatak was a pioneer of the Indian New Cinema Movement. The biennale represents a significant curatorial appointment for the collective, known for their interdisciplinary practice blending art, research, and curation. Their selection underscores the global reach of the Shanghai Biennale, which has become a major platform for contemporary art in Asia. The Power Station of Art, as the venue, continues its role as Shanghai's premier public art museum, hosting large-scale international exhibitions. The 2016 edition marks the biennale's 11th iteration, building on its history of engaging with critical contemporary issues through artistic dialogue. Raqs Media Collective's approach is expected to bring a distinctive perspective, integrating narrative and discursive elements into the exhibition framework.