Kingsize was a pop-up exhibition curated by Zuzana Duchova and Atelier STOSSIMHIMMEL. The exhibition took place in the Presidential Room from the main train station in Bratislava, a room decorated in a style that might have maybe once represented luxury (I somehow doubt that), an odd aesthetic that can only question beauty in respect to interior design. The selected pieces, each of them with strong concepts regarding status and power, put together in that room, created a surreal atmosphere.
During the opening there was a musical improvisation moment called: Who's is it bigger? by Jonatan Pastircak and Robo Kolar.
Below you will find a list of the participating artists and the concepts of the works exhibited:
Caroline Ertl:
You and me- we are one.
I can not hurt you, without harming myself.
Mahatma Gandhi
Martin Leitner:
Aquila Signum Victoria: This piece relates to Roman style banners, used by legions to describe their role in ancient warfare. The most honorable legions were signed with the Eagle (Aquila) and the eagle-wings are used here to grace the majesty of this bird of prey. But furthermore, the wings also remind us, that we gain victory by lifting our imagination into the air where we could overcome limitations set on the ground.
Eva Tesarik:
My inspiration were the big, old and luxurious Palazzi da Venice, Rome and Palermo.
I used a vintage wood and transfered it into jewelleries for kings and queens.
Kamilla Wróbel:
Yes I am the dictator the more guns I got the better / I am the liquidator I carry the old beretta / you know how dangerous that can be /
& they used to run wild in the streets / you know there once was freedom / the people used to dance & sing / but now I am the voice
howling from your radio / you’ll hear what I say goes / The clash “Dictator”
Tatiana Warenichova:
Veľký kráľ a malá myš / Jeden veľký kráľ / veľký palác mal. / Na paláci veľké brány / obrátené v štyri strany. / A ten veľký kráľ / veľké brány veľkým kľúčom / večer zamykal. / (Elena Čepčeková)
Michelle Kraemer:
Megalomaniac’s Excrement
self-im·por·tance:
an exaggerated opinion of one’s own importance; pompously conceited or haughty.
“I’m so important even my shit is gold and the sun really does shine out of my arse!”
Laurence Bradley Hooper – Megalomaniac extraordinaire
Izabella Petrut:
Queen of all queens / King of all kings
I choose to use a female and a male despot, creating two characters and two scenarios. They both compete for power, adoration, attention and they use the same weapons: the Penis, a symbol of power and dominance. My characters have a lot of insecurities for which they have to overcompensate with decoration and dubious behavior. The Penis becomes a symbol of desire and the despots see it as the object of their desire. The Penis becomes a cult object.
Heike Wanner:
“Starter Kit for Despots” includes 4 pieces of jewelry. The pieces are meant to support prospective despots step by step during the takeover and demonstrate the gained power appropriate. Bite-me - ring, Shut-up - decoration, Yeah - bracelet, Eye of the Tiger - brooch
The whole experience was fun and we were very happy the exhibition attracted a big number of visitors. Thank you everyone for coming and Zuzana and Jan for organising everything.
Text by Izabella Petrut