A deeply thought-out and engaging multimedia art project "Port of Trust - A Story of Triumphs and Tragedy" Ivan Ivković deals with complex topics of contemporary life, the position of the individual, gender roles and divisions, social norms and expectations, but also the position of the individual in his own life.
The concept, after the first part in the "Art" gallery of the Museum and Gallery of Podgorica, was presented on Wednesday evening in the space of the New Gallery of Visual Arts and Cultural Center 201, all within the fine art segment of the Festival of International Alternative Theater FIAT, which takes place in Podgorica from the sixth until September 15.
Dimmed violet-blue light welcomed the visitors and already at the very beginning created an atmosphere of mystery and introspectiveness, and space and time found themselves in a kind of "limbo" between reality and reflection, current and generationally experienced. Colors that are usually associated with calmness and introspection in this purpose actually cause internal tension, but the light is subordinate to the whole concept and what is happening... In the center of the space there are two wooden scaffolding and two male performers on them, quite static, passive , but placed in such a way that they act as if in a natural environment, with a certain dominant moment that occurs.
The space around is framed by works that can hardly be seen in detail under such light, but they all carry different messages, and many works have them written transparently: "Say no more", "We are not here", "It's hopeless what I want, protect me that's the way" and others allude to the feeling of hopelessness, invisibility, powerlessness, but also alienation and loneliness in modern society and life, which seems to have fallen on the shoulders of those who live it... There are also phrases like " Can we have sex" or "I wanted to kill you", which evokes eroticism and sexuality, but also violence and anger, extremely contradictory impulses that depict contradictions, but also brutal reality within interpersonal relationships and everyday struggles. All of this together shows different internal conflicts that individuals face and struggle with in different ways.
At the end of the room, a large rug is spread as an allusion to tradition, heritage, or even the warmth of home, while a screen in the corner shows a video with men doing housework continuously. Perhaps it should be strange to some visitors, additionally opposing the men who flirt on the scaffolding in a live performance, because men in positions that are tied to women (household work) can cause discomfort among individuals, especially in the time and circumstances in which patriarchal power structures still strongly persist and have a strong influence, but they still wobble, like a wobbly and unreliable scaffold... The artist undoubtedly makes a strong criticism of traditional male-female divisions depending on gender roles and environmental expectations.
An interesting aspect that accompanies the entire concept is the narrative "chorus" that is continuously heard in the background and enhances the sensory and emotional impression that the setting evokes. The choir utters sentences that indicate how one should live or how to actually be good with oneself, most similar to pop-psychology, motivational speeches or everyday advice such as: "Find balance", "Develop good habits", "Be financially literate", "Communicate effectively" ", "Work, Rest and Play are all important"... Seemingly as a reflection of today's society that strives for perfection, success and constant progress, on the other hand, a departure from perfection and a focus on personal growth and "Let go of perfectionism", "Aim for progress, not perfection". This "chorus" and the narration in the background act as constant social pressure and the voice of expectations, while others bring an ironic reconstruction of what society says should be achieved and reached, but also of what really is.
Although the performance can often seem distant or too abstract for emotional connection, the artistic expression of Ivana Ivković automatically awakens an emotional reaction and awareness in the viewer, encouraging him to (self)reflection and gradual reconsideration of the presented topics, which are probably different for everyone, but undoubtedly provocative, important , current... At the same time, the author subtly, bravely and strongly tries to combine everyday life, heritage, the question of gender roles, identity and social imperatives into a unique visual and performative experience that is equally abstract and concrete, while leaving room for uncertainty and contradiction.
Ivana Ivković and "Port of Trust" definitely invite observers to think more deeply about themselves, priorities and aspirations... As part of the same project, a delegated performance is also expected, which, also as part of FIAT, will be held tomorrow at 20 p.m. in Moderna gallery in Podgorica. Exhibitions in the gallery "ART" and the New Gallery of Visual Arts are open until October 11 and XNUMX.
Bonus video:
