EXHIBITION BALKAN RADIKAL 13–18 SEP 2024
Opening: 13 SEP, 7 pm
Artists: Dante Buu, Spyros Rennt, Artemis Xeniou
Historically, marginalised communities and individuals who live in a feminist, queer, and/or radical way of life have always been under oppression in the Balkans; often exposed to prejudices, marginalisation and gender-based violence. “In this atmosphere (…) it seems easier to survive in Western Europe” (Gavrić/Čaušević 2020).
“IF A BOY CANNOT BREAK YOUR HEART YOUR COUNTRY CERTAINLY WILL” (Dante Buu)
The country we find ourselves in and our homelands constantly break hearts with their politics, right-wing narratives, police violence, and silencing. How do we resist? To politically demand extreme change is defined to be radical. Trying to widen and break up this concept, Balkan Radikal focuses on radicality as a strategy of intimacy, connection, support, and love. Love as an act of resistance like bell hooks declares, is to resist the dominant, oppressive structures and systems. Being radical by standing together and not letting our hearts be broken by violence shapes a life resisting the patriarchal norm. In this exhibition, the artists present works and social practices that confront power imbalances while celebrating love, connection, and the strength of our communities. Their practices transcend binaries and borders, highlighting the fluidity of life in between, the power of intimacy, and the intertwining of moving bodies and their stories.
Panel Talk: 14 SEP, 4 pm
Speakers: Lejla Kalamujić, Milena Papakoch, Spyros Rennt, Moderation: Maja Bogojević
The panel will focus on existing communities from the Balkans and the diaspora that fight for equal rights and freedom. We aim to learn about the initiatives and individuals fostering community and change, asking: What spaces for queer-feminist concepts of life in the Balkans exist? How do they stay safe and support each other? Additionally, we want to get to know the stories of those who left and live in countries like Germany that promise openness and tolerance. How much of this openness is actually experienced? Also, looking at the question of identity and its constant evolution, we want to ask: What does life look like for those who stayed, those who moved, and those who live in-between?
Follow our Instagram @balkan_radikal for updates. We look forward to seeing you.
The Balkan Radikal initiative foregrounds artistic, socio-cultural and critical approaches from the Balkans and the diaspora. | Daphne Rüde (freelance curator, researcher and artist) | Laszlo Rupp (freelance curator and chairman of the Kulturkombinat Neue Räume) | Nataša Vukajlović (she/her / freelance curator and fellow for art coordination at Akademie Schloss Solitude)
Project funded by