17

The artwork “17” is dedicated to the legacy of a society that must continuously remember its own history in order to understand the present and shape the future. The year 1989 and the Velvet Revolution marked a pivotal moment in Slovak history — a gesture of hope, courage, and the desire for freedom. The clinking of keys became a symbol of the end of (un)freedom and a reminder that freedom is not a given. The performance reflects on how fragile the values of democracy can become when critical thinking, culture, and collective memory are neglected. Power is portrayed as a tool capable of suppressing individuality and reshaping history. This artistic act serves as a call to remember that history is immutable, and it is up to us to ensure that its darker chapters are not repeated. The figure of Karel Kryl appears as a symbol of courage and freedom, and in his honor, the individual stages of the performance are named after his songs, which resonate thematically with the narrative of the piece.

In collaboration with Art Studio S.O.M One, we created a choreography and performance presented in four etaps. Each stage was named after a song by Karel Kryl, carrying its own story.
The stages were: The King and the Clown, The Caravan of Clouds, Salome, and The Angel.
Photographic documentation: Adam Priščák.

The first graphic poster is inspired by an element that every citizen of the Slovak Republic possesses – a birth certificate. It symbolizes identity, individuality, and the connection between a person and society.

The second poster serves as an annotation for the entire performance, providing visitors with space and time for reflection and a deeper understanding of the artwork and its message.

1. KING AND CLOWN

Dark and melancholic music opens the performance. Different individuals are connected through symbols of 1989 – jingling keys, safety pins, and white ties, which represent diversity and the search for personal identity. The banners highlight power, manipulation, and the loss of identity under social pressure.

2. CARAVAN OF CLOUDS

The atmosphere becomes calmer, and the dancers’ movements combine gentleness, uncertainty, and hope. Scissors symbolize change, while cutting off the heads of red carnations represents breaking away from passive patterns of the past. White ties become a symbol of new beginnings, freedom, and the strength of the individual within a community.

3. SALOME

The music becomes more energetic and tense. Throwing ties symbolizes awakening, resistance, and the search for new paths. A conflict emerges between conformity and defiance, reflecting society’s internal struggle and the need to protect important values.

4. ANGEL

The final part brings a calmer tone and space for reflection. Banners with empty spaces symbolize shared experiences and the connection between individuals and the collective. The performance becomes a call not to forget the legacy of 1989 and to protect freedom, culture, and critical thinking.