In Episode 58 Patrycja Rozwora talks with creators of ‘The Neighbours’ installation, represented at the 60th La Biennale di Venezia. Patrycja speaks with artists Krasimira Butseva, Julian Chehirian, Lilia Topouzova, and curator Vasil Vladimirov to delve into their poignant exploration of Bulgaria’s socialist past. Through their creation, the artists shed light on the often-silenced stories of survivors of political violence during the totalitarian regime, spanning from 1945 to 1989.
At the heart of ‘The Neighbours’ work lies a multidisciplinary approach that employs found objects, video, and sound design to convey the harrowing experiences of those who endured Bulgaria’s Gulags.The installation rooted in scholarly research and shaped by over 40 interviews conducted with survivors.It is reimagines people’s homes — the intimate spaces where these conversations took place, where silences or kept untold.
The project is more than an artistic endeavour; it is a powerful act of remembrance and of healing. The Neighbours amplify the voices of those silenced by political oppression, forging a bridge between past and present. Through a deeply immersive experience, the installation offers visitors a profound understanding of a dark chapter in Bulgaria’s history, whose echoes can still be felt today.
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