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TOMÁŠ RAFA: OVER THE RAINBOW

Invitations Studio of audiovisual overlaps Photography and New Media

We cordially invite you to Tomáš Rafa's exhibition at Tranzit in Bratislava.

Where?

  •  tranzit sk,

    • Beskydská 12, Bratislava
      Open: Tuesday – Friday: 2:30 – 6:30 p.m.

When?

  • Opening: 19 September 2024, 7 pm

  • Duration:  19.09. – 01.11.2024

 

Curator:

  • Diana Klepoch Majdáková

 

Annotation

Stigmatization, defamation, and incitement of resistance against LGBTIQA+ people are among the main tools of populist politics. A survey conducted by the European Commission shows that almost 60% of the Slovak population believes that gays, lesbians, and bisexuals should not have the same rights as heterosexual people. This places us at the very bottom among all EU countries. The current political situation and its key figures are causing Slovak society to sink even deeper in this regard. Paradoxically, after the terrorist murder of Juraj Vankulič and Matúš Horváth in front of the Tepláreň bar, the general public's attitude towards the rights of LGBTIQA+ people did not improve; in many respects, it got worse.

 The work of Tomáš Rafa serves as an important memento that grows in significance over time. He has been documenting and processing video material for many years, capturing protests and demonstrations either in support of or against the rights of minorities. In addition presenting works that reflect expressions of intolerance in public spaces, and conversely, public expressions of support from ordinary people or public figures, the exhibition offers guidance on how to get involved in community activities, defend oneself against attacks, and join the wave of solidarity and tangible support for LGBTIQA+ individuals in Slovakia.

 In addition to the visual presentation, the Over the Rainbow exhibition will serve as a useful information point, a temporary "safe space" — a meeting place for LGBTIQA+ people, a place for discussions, supportive and accepting conversations, but most importantly, a place for discovering and intertwining various life situations connected with minority sexuality and gender identity.

 During the opening there will be an embroidery workshop called The Mending Room - Warm Embroidery, led by Nina Marčeková, Daniel Pankuch and Richard Fekete from the People on Earth platform. They will teach you the technique of cross stitch, which you can use to embroider short slogans or pictures. There will be a choice of pre-made patterns with queer themes; however, there are no limits to imagination and the participants of the workshop can embroider anything. You will be able to sew your unique creation onto your clothing, backpack or frame it. Waste advertising banner material will be used as a base for embroidery.

 People on Earth is a sustainable fashion, up-cycling and re-design studio. It processes mostly textile waste materials and runs creative workshops, known as The Mending Room, focusing on various manual activities requiring a needle and thread - garment repair, embroidery, macramé, hitchhiking, etc. It is also through these workshops that we present our approach and relationship to sustainability, materiality and zero-waste lifestyle.

 

TOMÁŠ RAFA

is a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Banská Bystrica and the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. In his audiovisual work, he explores sensitive social topics and border situations defined by nationalism, racism, and xenophobia in Eastern Europe.

DIANA KLEPOCH MAJDÁKOVÁ

works in the cultural and non-profit sector as an initiator and coordinator of artistic, educational, and other activities. As a member of the non-governmental organization Liga za duševné zdravie (League for Mental Health), she leads a program for psychologically safe schools. She is the curator and director of the NASUTI festival of art and sustainability. She is the author of texts, lectures, reviews, catalogues, and articles on art and culture.

 

Rafa over the rainbow - banner

 

 

 ERSTE Foundation is main partner of tranzit. // Project was supported using public funding by the Slovak Arts Council (in the form of scholarship), Bratislava City Foundation and Internal Grant System of Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava. // Media partners: Artalk.info, Flash Art CZ & SK, Kapitál, GoOut.net