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Ian Reeves

Film & VideoJewish Culture & IdeasContemporary Art

Are We There Yet?: 5000 Years of Answering Questions with Questions

Mar 31, 2011–Jul 31, 2011

Are We There Yet? was an original media art installation in the Museum's Yud Gallery by Bay Area artists Ken Goldberg and Gil Gershoni that celebrated inquisitive impulse. An immersive sound environment, the installation posed questions from a variety of sources including the Talmud, literature, and popular culture. Questions varied based on visitors’ movement through the space.

about the exhibition

5000 Years of Answering Questions with Questions

If not now, when? What's your hurry? Why is this night different than all other nights? Are you experienced? When does life begin? Why do Jews always answer a question with a question? Do you feel lucky? Do you love me? Are you Jewish? What, me worry?

Search and questioning are at the core of Jewish cultural and spiritual identity. Jewish people of all ages are encouraged to question assumptions and authorities, taking to heart the Yiddish proverb: 

One who does not ask, does not know.

The installation Are We There Yet? by Bay Area artists Ken Goldberg and Gil Gershoni celebrated inquisitive impulse. An immersive sound environment, the installation posed questions from a variety of sources including the Talmud, literature, and popular culture. Questions varied based on visitors’ movement through the space.

Each visit presented a unique mix of playfulness, poetry, and spiritual journey. Visitors also had the opportunity to suggest questions for the exhibition and to playfully explore the suggestions of others. Are We There Yet? encouraged visitors to reflect on the rich history and future of curiosity.

Curriculum Guide

Inspired by the act of questioning celebrated in The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) exhibition Are We There Yet?, this curriculum explores the purpose and impact of personal questions, illuminates the importance of questions in Jewish tradition, and encourages students to consider the power of questioning to affect social change.

READ
gallery photos
documentary video

Experience the installation through this short documentary featuring Ken Goldberg and Gil Gershoni. Videography and photography by Jake Durrett, with additional footage by Adam Susaneck.

Watch Video
press
Apr 13, 2011

Are you listening? A new sound installation gets inside your head, KALW

Apr 13, 2011

“Are We There Yet? 5,000 Years of Answering Questions with Questions”: Art Review, The San Francisco Weekly​​​​​​​

Mar 31, 2011

'Are We There Yet?' Leaves Many Unanswered Questions — But That's the Point, The San Francisco Weekly

Mar 31, 2011

'Are We There Yet?' at the Jewish Museum. The San Francisco Chronicle

Mar 23, 2011

Robotic algorithms help pose life's big questions, CNET​​​​​​​

Mar 22, 2011

Are We There Yet?: new art installation at SF Contemporary Jewish Museum, Boing Boing


supporters

Are We There Yet? 5000 Years of Answering Questions with Questions is a collaboration between Ken Goldberg, Gil Gershoni, and The Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco. The project has been made possible with special seed funding from the Creative Work Fund, a program of the Walter and Elise Haas Fund supported by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and The James Irvine Foundation. Major support has been provided by the Jim Joseph Foundation. Additional support generously provided by Meyer Sound Laboratories Inc.

Koret and Taube Foundations are the lead supporters of the 2010–11 exhibition season.