"Inconvenient Vilnius" at Vilnius Museum
The exhibition Inconvenient Vilnius is about inhabitants of the city whose stories are buried beneath layers of prejudice and stereotypes. They are individuals we know little about, often avoid, and sometimes even fear. It is an exhibition about people who, according to surveys, Vilnius residents would prefer not to see. And about beliefs that fuel conflict and make life more difficult. An artwork from TARTLE was lent to this exhibition.
Ten imaginary characters from the past and present tell their life stories, and uncover topics that do not seem to meld with the image of the ideal city. The stories of these personalities are typically told by the media, so the voices of the heroes themselves usually go unheard. The perspective presented by the exhibition shows that some challenges have been with the city since the oldest of times, and some are especially difficult to overcome.
The narrative of an inconvenient Vilnius was conceived last year as we celebrated the anniversary of the city’s first mention in historical records. On that occasion, we spoke only of positive aspects of Vilnius. Now that the celebratory period is over, it is time to return to reality, and remember the things that go unmentioned on a birthday, as well as accepting the inconvenient side of the city as our own.
Curators: Rasa Antanavičiūtė, Živilė Miežytė, Agnė Šimkūnaitė
The exhibition Inconvenient Vilnius is about inhabitants of the city whose stories are buried beneath layers of prejudice and stereotypes. They are individuals we know little about, often avoid, and sometimes even fear. It is an exhibition about people who, according to surveys, Vilnius residents would prefer not to see. And about beliefs that fuel conflict and make life more difficult. An artwork from TARTLE was lent to this exhibition.
Ten imaginary characters from the past and present tell their life stories, and uncover topics that do not seem to meld with the image of the ideal city. The stories of these personalities are typically told by the media, so the voices of the heroes themselves usually go unheard. The perspective presented by the exhibition shows that some challenges have been with the city since the oldest of times, and some are especially difficult to overcome.
The narrative of an inconvenient Vilnius was conceived last year as we celebrated the anniversary of the city’s first mention in historical records. On that occasion, we spoke only of positive aspects of Vilnius. Now that the celebratory period is over, it is time to return to reality, and remember the things that go unmentioned on a birthday, as well as accepting the inconvenient side of the city as our own.
Curators: Rasa Antanavičiūtė, Živilė Miežytė, Agnė Šimkūnaitė