“Artists in Prayers” - An exhibition on world peace and prayers by and for the world & Ukraine.
From 8th January 2023 until 20th January, Atelier CAYA;, Come As You Are, located in the 7th district in Vienna, organized an art exhibition with international artists, primarily artists from Ukraine, called; "Artists in Prayers."; A group exhibition about prayers for our world & beyond, with international artists by and for Ukraine. A concept developed by Justyna Ustyna from Ukraine that got in touch with CAYA through 'The Office for Ukraine, Artist Help.'
Official Invitation of the Exhibition
At the beginning of November 2022, I, Linsey Knibbeler, organizer and concept developer of Atelier CAYA, attended the Office for Ukraine meeting in the MuseumQuartier for the second time. An event organized every 3 weeks, creating a platform where cultural/artistic workers from Vienna can meet with artists from Ukraine.
As I just got the keys to take care of a 100m2 art studio (including everything art-related you can possibly think of) from an Afghan Artist friend and Family I grew close to, I wondered what to do with 100m2 of art studio space. So, throughout September/October, I developed a concept to provide a platform for artists who are not easily seen, such as my Afghan artist friend. So, that began the search for artists who needed an art studio / social art space.
Vernissage night 8th January 2023, inside the gallery daughter of the Martseniuks explains about her parents jewelry's.
At the 'The Office for Ukraine' event, I asked the organizers if I could speak that day. I presented myself with nothing more than me and my voice, explaining about the art studio and wondering if there were artists that would like to work together. Here I learned to put the ideas I carry 'out there.' We need to network, especially if you want to build a community. No community is created alone.
Through presenting myself and the concept, I gained many contacts, many of whom visited me over the following weeks. One of those people was Justyna. She came to me with an idea for an exhibition named 'artists in prayers' and wished to find a space to exhibit. Most of the time, the language barrier was a challenge. I was in a position where I had to deal with a 100m2 art studio that was, read it correctly, FULL with belongings of the Family that gifted me the space. When I mean FULL, I mean FULL. It took me two months to clear out the room, primarily by myself, and in the meantime, I had the pressure of the outside world that wanted to work together, plus the constant worry of the future.
In December, I invited Justyna over. who had to come from Innsbruck. Because I wanted to show her the condition of the space so she would understand the studio's situation.
This was a task on its own. However, having a vision for the space and having people in the space that need help understanding or where you can't explain your viewpoints, since the language barrier, has proven challenging.
The night before the opening, many Ukrainians gathered to help out. Even those who did not stand behind the participation of the Russian artist, they still contributed all night to make the room ready for representation.
As I promised to help, I wanted to keep my word. Within December, I managed to empty the white cube room, which was once filled to the top with at least 120 paintings of my artist friend, drawings, closets, 3-meter-long tables, a bed, furniture, instruments, computers, all sorts of electronic gear, carpets, fabrics, and many many many more stuff. I even found a sitar in a corner at some point. Despite the pressure of 'clearing out,' we managed and emptied the room for our first event exhibition, 'Artists in Prayers,' which opened on 8th January 2023, right after Orthodox Christmas. Gathering with the Ukrainian community – one night before the event everyone came to help for a few hours. Reminding me of how many hands can lighten the burden of so much work.
A conflict arose three days before the opening, as a Russian artist joined the exhibition intending to pray for world peace. Unfortunately, this caused some Ukrainian artists to go into an online discussion and withdraw last minute. Despite this setback, we tried to organize a room to talk one day before the opening. A diversity & inclusivity specialist was present at the vernissage to ensure everyone felt heard or safe.
Meeting with one of the artists after she dropped her artwork and speaking about the topic of the exhibiton & discussion regarding boycotting Russian artists.
The establishment of CAYA;, Come As you Are' was new, yet coming from a human rights perspective, overtaking the art studio from an Afghan Artist refugee – who also carried a wish for equality in arts and rights for every human being – it was no possibility to draw a line by excluding the Russian artist. Where does the Russian cultural society outside of the nation stand when we speak regarding the right to freedom of expression? It is not new that many Russian artists have been boycotted over the past year, even when they risked openly condemning the war. What will be enough? Especially since all international artists that participated drew a line by saying they were out of the exhibition if the Russian artist were to be boycotted. What would you do if you stood on such a borderline? Would you let everyone come or leave as they are?
