CIFRA and the Republic of Naoero (Nauru) Pavilion present "Whose Modernity?", an online discussion on who gets to define the present
Artists Khaled Hafez, Khaled Ramadan and Riar Rizaldi discuss how colonial histories, cultural institutions and technology shape ideas of modernity. 5 November. Free online event.
On 5 November 2026, CIFRA and the Republic of Naoero (Nauru) Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia present “Whose Modernity?”, a free online discussion featuring artists Khaled Hafez, Khaled Ramadan and Riar Rizaldi. Moderated by Anastasia Stravinsky, art historian and Deputy Editor-in-Chief at CIFRA and IKT Member, the conversation will examine who defines progress, whose histories and knowledge are recognised, and how artists challenge established narratives through their work.
Who Defines Modernity?
Modernity is often described as a shared history of progress and technological development. Yet this history was shaped by unequal relationships: colonial trade supplied resources and labour, cultural institutions determined which narratives gained recognition, and technological systems created new forms of dependence.
Presented as part of CIFRA’s curatorial season POWER: ON/OFF, “Whose Modernity?” examines who has the power to define what counts as progress and whose contributions remain outside its dominant history.
The conversation brings together three artistic approaches to these questions. Khaled Hafez examines colonial modernity through the history of Egypt. Khaled Ramadan explores how media and exhibitions shape public narratives and cultural authority. Riar Rizaldi investigates the extraction, resources and labour behind contemporary technology. Together, their practices connect colonial history with the institutions and technologies that continue to shape the present.
Three Artistic Perspectives
Khaled Hafez is an Egyptian-French artist and filmmaker working across video, installation, photography and painting. Khaled Ramadan is a curator, filmmaker and visual culture researcher, Chief Curator of the Naoero Pavilion and co-founder of a curatorial collective Chamber of Public Secrets. His work examines how media and cultural institutions shape public narratives, political representation and who has the authority to tell history. Riar Rizaldi explores science, technology, labour and nature through moving images and sound. His work examines mining, extraction and labour behind technological development, questioning what conventional narratives of progress leave out.
Event Details
Title: “Whose Modernity?”
Date & Time: Thursday, 5 November 2026, 5:00 PM CET / 11:00 AM ET
Format: Free moderated online discussion with audience Q&A
Language: English
Continue on CIFRA
Following the discussion, viewers can explore Cottonopolis by Khaled Hafez, the playlist Hack the Black Box by Riar Rizaldi and other works from POWER: ON/OFF on CIFRA.
About CIFRA
CIFRA is an international curated media art platform connecting artists, curators, galleries, institutions and audiences. Through curated programmes, exhibitions and collaborations, CIFRA supports the presentation, documentation and long-term visibility of media art beyond individual exhibitions and events.