Borjana VENTZISLAVOVA
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International Creator Residency Program
update: 2024.5.23
Borjana VENTZISLAVOVA
| Participating Project | International Creator Residency Program |
|---|---|
| Activity Based | Vienna |
| City / Place stayed | Tokyo |
| Period | 2024.5 - 2024.7 |
Purpose of the residency
My project for the thematic residency deals with traditions of superstition in Japan and how these are translated into different culture and contexts. My intention is to research deeper the topic on gender inequality and discrimination and the history of the feminist movement, to maybe lead interviews with some of the founding members of the movements. In this research I want to look not only at the political but also at spiritual aspects and particularly to explore tools for resistance and transformation in the history and until today. I would focus on superstitions as in Japan they are common beliefs. Superstitions are considered as sign of a primarily feminine weakness. In my project I would like to turn the cliché and to create artistic-magic rituals in order to mobilize the power of woman but also to heal acts of gender inequality. I’ll develop a script for a participatory video work, in which I would invite female protagonists to perform “rituals” for healing, empowerment and to express their “voice” through different actions and with various tools. I can imagine that in the process of making I’ll also develop a photography project parallel to the video or installation work.
Plan during the residency
- In-depth research on rituals, superstitions, and customs in everyday life by working with local people and communities
- Research the topic on gender inequality and discrimination in Japan and the history of the feminist movement
- Research locations for filming in the public space on places which have some connection to the history of feminist grassroot movements and events
- Working on new works related to superstitions and gender inequality
- Meeting artists, curators, art critics from the local art scene
