The intention of the Becoming a Witch cycle was to explore and glorify the local biodiversity of Bratislava and its surroundings. Studying folk rituals and magic was a way to delve deeper into the feminist discourse on the role of women in folk healing and critically examine the witch hunt. The concept of the thesis relied on handling natural materials and the theme of witches in historical contexts with sensitivity. The goal was to sublimate personal feelings of frustration from the ongoing crisis through the study of mycology, botany, phytotherapy, and ethnopyschology, and offer the viewer a safe and nurturing environment.
The concept involved actively working with broad and interconnected topics that often merged and intertwined. The work with the extensive cycle "Becoming a Witch" is not just about the historical reflection of gender roles, but also about reinterpreted witchcraft, artistic ritual practices, self-reflection, attentiveness, and artistic practices that connect with local mythology and biodiversity. The work explores the etymology and semantics of terms associated with magic. It rationally responds to dichotomies such as physical/spiritual and scientific/religious, imbuing them with a spectrum and ambivalence. It maps the story of the female role in patriarchal Christian society and negates violence. Science and magic are juxtaposed through deliberate knowledge and reflection.
The form of the practical part dynamically changed its content. I started making my own dyes and pigments in an effort to reduce capitalist motives in purchasing art supplies. The same applied to fabrics and canvases, which were recycled or donated. I actively engaged in mycophilia and botany, studying biodiversity both macroscopically and microscopically. New, more complex musical instruments were created during the microresidency in Ostrava.
The installation also includes the recorded video performance "Body Scars" created for tranzit.sk. The performance took place on February 24th, the first anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Deep sorrow from the aggressive rapes of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers transformed together with global feminist criticism of Christianity into an act of musical political dissent, which I named "radical liturgy." A contribution was made by questioning tendencies in the (un)careful handling of natural resources. We reminded ourselves of the importance of feminist discourse in criticizing the power structures of patriarchy. And I helped several listeners dismantle their own social stereotypes about spirituality as something conspiratorial.
Slovak folk red magic spell for finding a husband
painting: kurkuma, betroot, parthenocissus quinquefolia
painting: kurkuma, betroot, parthenocissus quinquefolia
for VŠVU/AFAD
Mgr.Art work 2023
Photo: L.Večerná
Mgr.Art work 2023
Photo: L.Večerná