Within the realm of human anatomy, myriad facets of identity often remain veiled; disability, ethnic heritage, socioeconomic status, refugee narratives – they elude casual observation. The corporeal vessel, however, harbors a wealth of narratives. Through scars, creases, and folds, we glimpse fragments of these stories. Yet, beneath the surface lies a realm obscured, prompting reflection on the concealed essence of personhood. Frequently, individuals are perceived through the narrow lens of a singular identity facet – transgender, black, plus-sized – neglecting the intricate interplay and mutual influence of these intersecting identities.

Exhibition opening: 17/05/2024 (Friday), at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Azyl Library of Galerii Labirynt, ul. Lipowa 13 (entrance from ul. Ofiar Katynia)
Exhibition on display: until 20/06/2024 (Tue.-Thu. 1:00–6:00 p.m.)
Admission: free

The painted compositions herein pay homage to those diverging from the constricting confines of conventional beauty, elucidating the multidimensionality of their existence through an intersectional lens. This exhibition stands as a testament against the prevailing portrayal of queer bodies in media – a portrayal often limited to able-bodied, Caucasian, slim, or muscular archetypes. It is born of the imperative to illuminate the ubiquitous presence of queer individuals across all spectra, often embodying multiplicities of minority experiences.

In this showcase I wanted to present queer individuals as embodiments of diverse narratives, transcending the narrow confines of LGBTQI+ categorisation to embody multifaceted beings. The original poetry interwoven throughout the exhibition serves as a testament to tmy intimate negotiation with corporeal form and societal constructs – finding solace in the raw and tender embrace of nature, wherein lies the daily revelation of self.

Karo Zorya Jazgarska (she/he/it) – born in 1998, is a queer artistic individual primarily active in painting and drawing. Its oeuvre traverses themes including transgender identity, corporeality, body positivity, and relationships with the corporeal form. A graduate of the State High School of Fine Arts in Nałęczów (Lublin region), with a diploma specialising in utilitarian forms: design, and the Lublin School of Art and Design with a focus on fashion design featuring a no-waste collection. Additionally trained as an occupational therapist, but her aspirations are rooted in the realm of art. Intersectional feminism, reproductive rights, and the rights of persons with disabilities hold particular significance for them. Finding his chosen family within the queer community has endowed him with newfound strength and hope. In its leisure time, it engages in clothing upcycling. Privately, she cherishes mountain streams and lounging in a hammock with a book.

Accessibility: The event takes place on the ground floor, in a space free of architectural barriers. The opening of the exhibition is not interpreted into English.

• UA artists: Katya Buchatska, Katya Libkind, Lucy Ivanova, Olha Marusyn, Anna Ivchenko, Inga Levi, Daria Molokoiedova, Marharyta Polovinko, Dasha Chechushkova, Olia Yeriemieieva, Sana Shahmuradova Tanska, Yuliia Danylevska, Kateryna Aliinyk, Viktoriia Rozentsveih, Karina Synytsia
  PL Artists: Magdalena Franczak, Katarzyna Kozyra, Małgorzata Pawlak, Ewa Zarzycka, Marta Zgierska
• Curatorial team: Alya Segal, Waldemar Tatarczuk
• Partners: Artsvit Gallery, Katarzyna Kozyra Foundation

Exhibition opening: 18/05/2024 (Saturday), 7:00 p.m.
Where: Galeria Labirynt, ul. ks. J. Popiełuszki 5, Lublin
Exhibition on display: until 18/08/2024 (Tue.–Sun., 12:00–7:00 p.m.)
Admission: PLN 8, PLN 4 concession (free admission for the opening)

“Secondary Archive” is a project originating in Poland, dedicated to researching and archiving art that has long been relegated to secondary status in cultural discourse. Specifically, we focus on women’s art. This year, the “Secondary Archive” welcomes 15 new Ukrainian female artists whose works explore the theme of war.

The female artists participating in the exhibition do not directly portray the war in their works – images from battlefields or the aftermath of Russian missile attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure unfortunately no longer evoke profound reactions. However, the loss of their homes and forced displacement inevitably influences the artists’ creative endeavours. They delve into memories of home and childhood while exploring novel avenues for commemorative practices.

Moreover, the war accentuates not only the significance of home but also compels a re-evaluation of the concept of land. Landscape, soil, and geographical areas have emerged as prominent subjects for Ukrainian artists today.

Additionally, the body, a perennial subject for artists, appears in a distorted and altered form due to the war. Artists reassess their relationship with their bodies, gender, care, and the human body as an object of war.

Within the exhibition, Polish female artists, grappling with similar themes of home, body, and land, engage in a dialogue with their Ukrainian counterparts. This exchange unveils deeper connections between Ukrainian and Polish cultures and underscores the tendency in Eastern European art to confront sensitive topics and foster a discourse on collective female solidarity.

The project “Secondary Archive. Women Artists in War” is supported by the European Union as part of the House of Europe programme.

Accessibility: The exhibition is held on the ground floor. In the bookshop, you can borrow a wheelchair and earmuffs for free during your stay in the gallery. The silent hours at the exhibition apply on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The gallery has 6 portable induction loops.
The opening will be interpreted into Ukrainian, interpretation: Volodymyr Dyshlevuk.