If there is a common thread Vol.4

Isolation, grey, lifeless. If we think about a bunker, these words come up in our mind first. However, art thrives in the unexpected, and few settings encapsulate this ethos as profoundly as the atomic bunker in Zlín. Over the next two weeks, between 16-26 November, this space will transform into the opposite of the opening words and will become a vibrant hive of collaborative creativity. It will culminate in a festival that marks both an artistic experiment and a celebration of 14 impactful years of the Photogether Gallery.

The fourth volume of the "If There's a Common Thread" series, which has previously sparked dialogue, as well as artistic innovation in cities like Vienna, Budapest, and New York, ventures into uncharted territory in Zlín. This instalment challenges artists to live and create within the bunker, crafting works that draw energy from the space's layered past and present. As the organisers said:

"We intend to wire ourselves into this dark relic of history's diverse architectural, conceptual, political, historic, and socio-cultural resonances, creating an energetic feedback loop where the bunker will guide our growth into the individual limbs, organs, and appendages of a multinational artistic lifeforce."

What sets this exhibition apart is its emphasis on connection: among individuals, across disciplines, and between the art and its environment. The participating artists such as Atanáz Babinchak, Bence Bánhidi-Rózsa, Dachi-Giorgi Garuchava, Dicky Luckerson, Enikő Váczi, Lara-Jo Riva, Marco Miller, Réka Miller, Sandra Bayer, Hanna Szabó-Sáfrány, Vito Baumüller, Yixue Zhao and Evan Karas, representing multiple countries like Italy, Czech Republic, US, Austria, Hungary, Germany and different artistic approaches, will spend their days immersed in a shared creative ecosystem. Their works, born entirely within this space, will reflect an organic, evolving dialogue shaped by the constraints and inspirations of the bunker.

Nightly forums will act as a cornerstone of this process, inviting deep reflection and lively discussion about the evolving collective practice. The goal of these guided discussions is to aim to uncover the intricate dynamics of the group's interaction and the creative growth it fosters. Visitors can look forward to a closing celebration between 27-30 November, that extends this spirit of community and innovation to a wider audience. Over four days, the festival will feature arts, performances, and discussions, ensuring the bunker's energy radiates outward one final time as a cultural hub.

We highly suggest you attend there, read about it, or at least follow them on all social media platforms, whether you're drawn by the allure of unconventional spaces or intrigued by the collaborative spirit of international artists. This exhibition truly offers an unforgettable experience! It's not just a chance to witness art—it's a chance to see how a community of creators such as the one at this event can breathe life into a space, leaving behind isolation, greyness, and lifelessness.

Mate Ternovics