New Delhi: The KHOJ Marathon is a series of twenty minute public interviews with 25 leading intellectuals – thinkers, social philosophers, political analysts and artists – by a compelling authority in the art and intellectual world- Hans Ulrich Obrist. Hans Ulrich Obrist is one of the most prestigious and sought after curators of contemporary art in the world. The Marathon series of public events, conceived by Hans Ulrich Obrist in Stuttgart in 2005, are landmark public conversations which initiate some of the most scintillating and exciting dialogues of contemporary times.

An art world brand – known foremost for his prolificacy and ubiquity, but also, for the almost oracular quality of his writings and conversations, Hans Ulrich Obrist currently serves as a Co-director of Exhibitions and Programmes, and Director of International Projects at the Serpentine Gallery in London.

The first in the Serpentine series, the Interview Marathon in 2006, involved interviews with leading figures in contemporary culture over 24 hours, conducted by Obrist and architect Rem Koolhaas. This was followed by the Experiment Marathon, conceived by Obrist and artist Olafur Eliasson in 2007, which included 50 experiments by speakers across both arts and science, including Peter Cook, Neil Turok, Kim Gordon, Simon Forti, Fia Bäckstrom and Joseph Grigely.

This will be the first Marathon by HUO to be held in the subcontinent – second only to China held in 2008. A unique public event, the Khoj Interview Marathon will provide a critical understanding of art practice, its context and value – other than in monetary terms. Some of the key interviewees are renowned environmentalist Vandhana Shiva, feminist publisher Urvashi Butalia, philosopher Sundar Sarukkai, the first lady photographer of our times Homai Vyarawala, political writer Dilip Simeon, critics Geeta Kapur and Ranjit Hoskote and a host of globally acclaimed artists such as Subodh Gupta, Raqs Media Collective, Amar Kanwar, Jittish Kallat, Shilpa Gupta and Bharti Kher – amongst others.

Set against the historic Lodi Gardens as a back drop with the space designed by well known space designer Sumant Jaykrishnan, The KHOJ Marathon promises to be a unique and spirited event- intellectually challenging and high on energy. The Marathon is being organized by KHOJ International Artists’ Association which is an autonomous, registered society based in New Delhi which has built an international reputation for outstanding alternative arts incubation. It plays a central role in the development of the art practices in India which are analytical, critical and experimental and which challenge established thinking about art.

Over the past 13 years, through its various international workshops, residencies and other projects, KHOJ has developed a vibrant network of artists not only with artists in Europe and America but across the global south as well. It has actively sought to build partnerships in South Asia and has developed the first ever South Asian Network for the Arts in the region, whilst simultaneously working with artists in politically marginalized places such as Kashmir and the North East within India.

Khoj, has invited Obrist to hold the Marathon in New Delhi as a co- lateral event of the India Art Summit when artists, curators, art critics, collectors and a general public tend to congregate from across the country, the subcontinent and the rest of the world. The Marathon is being held in collaboration with Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary Austria which was founded in Vienna in 2002 by Francesca von Habsburg. It represents the fourth generation of the Thyssen family’s dedication to the arts and is committed to supporting the production of contemporary art and actively engaged in commissioning and disseminating unconventional projects that defy traditional disciplinary categorizations.

It is being supported by Pro Helvetia – Swiss Art Council in India, The British Council and CoCCA-Coimbatore Centre for Contemporary Arts and Arts Collaboratory, The Netherlands. Entry is free. Seating is on first come first serve basis.

Date: Saturday January 22, 2011

Venue: Lodi – The garden restaurant courtyard

Lodi Road, Opposite Mausam Bhavan

Timings: 1.45 PM-11.00 PM