Titled Cosmos Cinema, the 14th Shanghai Biennale aims to provide a spacetime for visitors to contemplate the operations of the universe and our place within it. The word cosmos, derived from Greek, signifies not just the universe, but also beauty and harmony. The Chinese term yuzhou suggests infinite time and space, resonating strongly with cinematic themes.
Cosmos Cinema delves into the concept that cinema, much like the cosmos, shapes our existence. It proposes that cinematic principles like light, shadow, and the passage of time are integral to our experience of the cosmos. The concept merges perspectives from the past and future, suggesting that cinema is not merely a medium for storytelling, but a cosmic phenomenon with the potential to change our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
Cosmos Cinema will explore how people can come together in pursuit of common understandings and how different cultures interpret the universe. These narratives reflect Shanghai's status as a cosmopolitan city and heartland of cinema in a country with a rich history of philosophical and artistic engagement with the cosmos. Cosmos Cinema aspires to contribute to this tradition.
More information and tickets are available at Power Station of Art's and e-flux websites.
