LT
On April 9 at 6:30 PM, the exhibition “when my mother was a king” by artist and researcher Jelena Škulis will open at SODAS 2123 project space.
The artist says of the exhibition: “The exhibition emerged from my personal relationship with motherhood and with my own mother. What are the challenges of motherhood today? How do they differ from those faced by my Mumm? The exhibition reflects the condition of a mother situated in the present, navigating personal searching, social expectations, the accelerating pace of life, and a world shaped by global unrest and political turbulence. At the same time, it is not only about rethinking motherhood, but also about the need for close connection, the interrelation of everyday life and time, and the desire to belong while remaining free.
The works, woven on a handloom, embody both the fragility and resilience of relationships, as well as the repetitive actions and routines characteristic of living closely with others. Chains and wires, along with extremely strong yet fine threads used for leather stitching, are woven into long, heavy textiles that testify to attachment and autonomy, and to the weight and unpredictability of motherhood and connection.
The exhibition space holds personal significance for me: at the same time that the “SODAS 2123” cultural complex was established, I was “born” for the third time as a mother. Together with my colleague Dileta Deikė, we also initiated the creative workshop Handwork in these spaces. “
The exhibition opening is part of the “OPEN SODAS: Paths” event program.
The exhibition runs until 26 April.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–18:00. Saturday: 14:00–18:00
Jelena Škulis is a Doctor of Arts, artist, lecturer, and researcher whose practice is grounded in handwork, materiality, weaving, and the exploration of relationships. In her work, she reflects on social and political themes through an autoethnographic approach. She is currently a researcher at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University, where she is conducting the project “Handwork as a Political Act through a Feminist Lens”.
Curator: Laima Kreivytė.
Design: Indrė Kupstienė.
Exhibition technician: Liudvikas Kesminas.
Exhibitions is gunded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture.
Partners: SODAS 2123.
Big thanks to: Dileta Deikė, Vilnius Academy of Arts, “Gamybos sprendimai”, “Steelcraft Atelier”.
The artist usually is represented by the gallery “Meno Niša”.