WHW Curators Politicize 11th Istanbul Biennial with Brechtian Question 'What Keeps Mankind Alive?'

In 2009, the 11th Istanbul Biennial, curated by WHW, took inspiration from Bertolt Brecht's 1928 Threepenny Opera, adopting the theme 'What Keeps Mankind Alive?'. WHW sought to engage with political issues through culture, showcasing realist pieces from artists such as Hüseyin Alptekin, Sanja Iveković, and Sharon Hayes. A conflict emerged between the politically charged artwork and the Modernist 'white cube' format, which faced criticism for not effectively engaging audiences. Following its October launch, Resistanbul condemned the biennial's framework during IMF and World Bank meetings in Istanbul, resulting in protests dispersed by police. The curators recognized this conflict, referencing Walter Benjamin's 'The Author as Producer' and contrasting the event with Documenta11. Pip Day, Pablo Lafuente, and Maria Muhle conducted an interview for Celeste Magazine in October 2009.