The national and international press has commented in multifaceted responses on the exhibition: Financial Time Deutschland declares that “a theory-heavy show was to be expected from the political science scholar Okwui Enwezor”, and as the Kunstzeitung notes, “expectations were rather low, due to the world-wide theorization prior to the fifth documenta-platform.” „All Politics, little Art“, states the L. A. Times. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, however, comments that „the explosive potential of this documenta lies in its progressive conservatism. Documenta11 does not rely on fun, shock and sex, commercialism and advertisement. It does not bank on innovation, on youth and star cult, and on frivolous flavors of the day.” And the Neue Zürcher Zeitung added: “With almost every work, the trend becomes a certainty: art makes a statement, highlights contexts, provides awareness, and turns the individual into a ‘allégorie réelle’.” The tageszeitung states: “The great debates of the feuilleton this summer circle around one center, which neither as a constellation of conflict nor as a reservoir of emphasis is particularly new: it is about art and culture and their relation to politics.” And the Kunstzeitung summarizes: “A big surprise, that deserves the highest honors! A major exhibition that everyone should definitely see!” BBC News follows this judgment: „This year’s exhibition has broken new boundaries since Kassel art scholar and painter Arnold Bode started Documenta in 1955.”

The discussion around Documenta11 makes clear that everyone who wants to get an overview and insight should come and see the show themself and come to an own conclusion. Two additional reasons to come to Kassel are the film program and the guided tours of the Visitor Service, that provide an introduction into the deeper connections of the topic.The Visitor Service offers the possibility to visit the exhibition accompanied by a guide and advises visitors in their planning of their visit to Documenta11. In addition to group tours, which can be reserved in advance (in 12 foreign languages), daily One-hour tours for the spontaneous visitor or for informal groups as well as introductory lectures are offered. These lectures provide an overview over the platforms 1 to 4 and the concept and details of the exhibition. Every exhibition venue is presented through selected artistic examples.

At the Bali-Cinema in the Kulturbahnhof, Documenta11 presents a challenging and in the history of documenta uniquely extensive film program. Until September 15, 2002, films by Documenta11 artists presented elsewhere in the exhibition with films, videos, and installations, are shown. “These screenings are intended to extend the audience’s understanding of artists they encounter elsewhere in Documenta11” (Mark Nash, Co-Curator Documenta11).

Among others, the premieres of the films Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner) by the Canadian-based Igloolik Isuma Productions, The Other Side by Belgian filmmaker Chantal Akerman, A Night of Prophecy by New-Delhi-based filmmaker Amar Kanwar, and Ticket to Jerusalem by Palestinian filmmaker Rashid Masharawi were held in the Documenta11 film program. Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner), which was awarded in Cannes as best debut feature film last year, was hailed by the New York Times as a “masterpiece” and a “classic”. Chantal Akerman’s film The Other Side also was awarded at the Cannes film festival this year.
Documenta Kassel