Colourful dresses and corsets adorned with trinkets, artificial flowers tucked into the hair, ribbons, embroidery, beads and pristine white lace, colourful singing and lively dance, the roar of engines, high speeds, grease, smoke, the smell of petrol and hot asphalt, leather jackets and protective helmets. It is difficult not to call these phenomena opposing, incompatible with each other.

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Exhibition opening:
When: Friday, July 16, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Galeria Labirynt, ul. ks. J. Popiełuszki 5, Lublin
Accessibility: The exhibition is held on the ground floor. At the bookstore, you can borrow a wheelchair and earmuffs for free during your stay in the gallery. The gallery has 6 portable induction loops. Opening translated into the Polish sign language (PJM); interpreter: Ewelina Lachowska. Opening interpreted simultaneously into English – please pick up the device at the bookstore before the event; interpreter: Krystian Kaminski.
Admission: Free
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“Motorcycle Dance” is a combination of opposing environments: city and countryside, as well as motorisation and traditional culture. Barbara Gryka prepared a choreography based on the Lublin folk dance, which was recreated by motorcyclists. The individual manoeuvres of the vehicles correspond to the movements taken from the figures of folk dances.

Work on the performance began in 2017 in Lublin during the “Synergia” project. The exhibition featured recordings of the “Motorcycle Dance” rehearsals. There was a plan for a performance that failed because one of the motorcyclists was injured. Barbara Gryka returned to the project in 2020 and the first edition of the exhibition took place in May 2021 at BWA Zielona Góra art gallery.

The four-channel video projection is complemented by an in-situ installation, consisting mainly of recycled materials.

The performance was attended by: Kasia Dados, Marek Jęczeń, Tomek Jęczeń, Damian Jóźwiak, Rafał Autocholik Michalczak, Paweł Niamita, Jasiek Smaga and Wojciech.

Video production and editing: Jan Szewczyk
Sound production: Alex Banaszkiewicz
Drone video production: As VIDEO

Dellfina Dellert’s “Art of Forgiveness” is an appeal for reconciliation and healing of interpersonal relationships. The words “I’m sorry”, “forgive me”, “thank you”, “I love you” are a reference to the Polynesian Ho’oponopono ritual, which can be translated as repairing, cleansing or restoring to the best condition.

“The Art of Forgiveness” – Dellfina Dellert

Where: window of Galeria Labirynt 2, ul. Grodzka 3

Accessibility: Information in the Polish sign language about neon is available after scanning the QR code on the spot. The neon sign may be partially invisible to people with motor disabilities.

From thought to action. Healing neon by Dellfina Dellert

Dellfina Dellert’s “Art of Forgiveness” is an appeal for reconciliation and healing of interpersonal relationships. The words “I’m sorry”, “forgive me”, “thank you”, “I love you” are a reference to the Polynesian Ho’oponopono ritual, which can be translated as repairing, cleansing or restoring to the best condition.

Each of the words present at work carries a specific burden. The person who apologises takes responsibility for their actions. Asking for forgiveness involves going beyond one’s ego. “Thank you” changes the perspective of focusing on the shortcomings and deficiencies of our lives into gratitude for what has been given. Love is an unconditional feeling for loved ones, other people, nature, the whole world. The four word-sentences contain the power of an ancient ceremony that not only resolved disputes, but also released positive energy that allowed the community to function harmoniously.

By reaching for this mantra, Dellfina Dellert wants to initiate the process of symbolic healing, using the power of human thought that conditions our way of seeing the world and, subsequently, acting. Work is a response to the deepening social divisions and the ever-fueled hatred. The artist does not delude herself. “On the one hand, artistic activities will not save the world, on the other, because our mind accepts symbolic acts as facts, the power of symbols cannot be underestimated,” hopes the artist.  This prayer-mantra is a beautiful and powerful remedy for hate speech and violence.