Okwui Enwezor, Artistic Director of Documenta 11, commented in his preface that almost fifty years after its founding, Documenta found itself confronted once again with the specters of yet another turbulent time of unceasing cultural, social, and political frictions. In order to meet the challenge of making a meaningful articulation of the possibilities of contemporary art in such a climate, Documenta 11 was presented in a series of five Platforms of public discussions, conferences, workshops, books, and film and video programs. 'In a sense, then, Documenta 11's five Platforms, in a paradoxical but necessary critical move, begin with a series of deterritorializations which not only intervene in the very historical location of Documenta in Kassel but also emblematize the mechanisms that make the space of contemporary art one of multiple ruptures. Beginning in Vienna on March 15, 2001, then to New Delhi, Berlin, St. Lucia, Lagos, and ending in Kassel on September 15 2002, the Platforms unfold over the course of eighteen months across continents, cities, and disciplines...' - Okwui Enwezor,

The catalogue includes preface by Okwui Enwezor, brief biographical notes of the participating artists, artists' writings and project proposals for Documenta11. The catalogue appendix is provided in a separate booklet with detailed artist biographies and a list of exhibited works.