Artur Żmijewski
Against, 2023
Żmijewski's film Against follows a similar concept and ties in with central works from earlier years, such as Democracies (2009). But in contrast to most of his previous works, the protagonists in Against are not characterized by a social or actual disability. Here, children of kindergarten and primary school age give expression to their voices as representatives of the youngest members of our society. Inspired by current protest movements launched by the young generation to stand up for climate protection and their future on our planet, such as Fridays for Future, the film shows the young participants preparing for a demonstration. However, Against does not impose a political label. Rather, it is about the impressive eagerness with which the children paint their protest banners and flags, and the resulting strong, enthusiastic, yet innocent dynamic. The film follows the children as they craft, design and prepare for the demonstration in a workshop, ultimately taking their values, rights and their future to the streets. The action is accompanied by a Neapolitan tarantella, whose popular, lively melody musically underpins the little demonstrators' unconcerned drive.
Courtesy of the artist and Foksal Gallery Foundation, Warsaw
Żmijewski's film Against follows a similar concept and ties in with central works from earlier years, such as Democracies (2009). But in contrast to most of his previous works, the protagonists in Against are not characterized by a social or actual disability. Here, children of kindergarten and primary school age give expression to their voices as representatives of the youngest members of our society. Inspired by current protest movements launched by the young generation to stand up for climate protection and their future on our planet, such as Fridays for Future, the film shows the young participants preparing for a demonstration. However, Against does not impose a political label. Rather, it is about the impressive eagerness with which the children paint their protest banners and flags, and the resulting strong, enthusiastic, yet innocent dynamic. The film follows the children as they craft, design and prepare for the demonstration in a workshop, ultimately taking their values, rights and their future to the streets. The action is accompanied by a Neapolitan tarantella, whose popular, lively melody musically underpins the little demonstrators' unconcerned drive.
Courtesy of the artist and Foksal Gallery Foundation, Warsaw