Filip Kijowski
AZYL LIBRARY
where the shelves are bending under queer books, and we leave our bookmarks

In April 2021, Filip Kijowski in residence at Galeria Labirynt began the creation of the Azyl Library, which collects LGBTQ+ literature. The library was established out of the need to create access to reliable knowledge and literature in the area, which is not provided by schools or public libraries. The book collection was created in collaboration with authors, publishers, bookshops, and friends from all over the world. Currently, the library has over 800 books that have been donated completely free of charge, and the number is constantly growing.

Exhibition opening: 27/05/2022 (Friday) at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Galeria Labirynt | Plaza, ul. Lipowa 13, Lublin
Accessibility: The exhibition is held on the ground floor in a space free from architectural barriers.
Exhibition on display: Tue–Sat 1–6 p.m.; Sun 12–7 p.m.
Admission: free
Curator: Waldemar Tatarczuk

The exhibition will take the form of an environment installation where you one stay, pick up and read a book, listen to audiobooks, gain knowledge and simply hang out.

Kijowski’s installation represents a dreamlike and utopian room that does not openly exist in mainstream public spaces on a daily basis. It is a room inhabited by knowledge encrypted in the form of books, which is often excluded from public dialogue. In this room, books, one by one, proudly invite viewers to interact with them.

Filip Kijowski’s exhibition is in line with the idea of Galeria Labirynt as a place not only to admire the art but to use it as a utilitarian space. The idea of Azyl Library is to constantly respond to the surrounding reality. That is why, at this time of cruel, destructive war in Ukraine, we will invite refugees in need of help to find their asylum here.

The exhibition will be accompanied by meetings with authors, a queer book club, circle meetings, and various workshops.