Premiere Date:
November 10, 2024, Sunday
STARS Auditorium 7:00 PM
Have you ever wondered what a bridge between the past, present, and future would look like?
The exhibition in motion “Treasures” provides an answer through the artistic concept of multilayered art. The professional ensemble Poddukelský umelecký ľudový súbor (PUĽS) and the successful project “Party in the 21st Century” create a synthesis of two artistic worlds—visual and performative.
This project offers more than just a static exhibition; viewers are literally drawn into the narrative. The exhibition utilizes graphic animations and video projections to create an immersive interactive environment.
Girls in Slovak Treasures – in groups symbolizing traditional brides, break down the boundaries between the past and the future. Authenticity in the intricately crafted folk costumes and unique contemporary face painting, reflecting the ornamentation of specific regions, proves that the beauty and values of Slovak treasures are still relevant. One of the visually strongest moments features girls in groups literally “stepping out of the frames of paintings.” Through the emotions and experiences of our ancestors preparing for the most exceptional day of their lives, the viewer becomes part of their story. Movement, music, and singing find intersections between musical and dance folklore and diverse modern genres. This contrast creates a dynamic and original experience that appeals not only to folklore enthusiasts but also to younger generations.
From traditional Slovak folklore (the past) through modern pop culture (the present), the story of “Treasures” erases the imaginary boundaries between these two worlds and offers a lively and pulsating message for future generations (the future).
The Poddukelský umelecký ľudový súbor, or PUĽS for short, is a professional artistic ensemble founded in 1955, currently consisting of more than 40 artists in its dance, music, and vocal components. It primarily presents the traditions and folklore of the Ruthenians, as well as those from other regions of Slovakia, reinterpreting them into a higher scenic form. PUĽS also features dances from surrounding countries in its repertoire. PUĽS is a unique ensemble, evident in performances where the liveliness of a proud nature is blended with a refined sense of poetry. PUĽS concerts are emotional and rich in thought, allowing the audience not only to relax but also to absorb a wealth of positive energy.
Since its inception, PUĽS has performed over ten thousand shows at home and has undertaken dozens of international tours. Audiences have applauded them in England, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Canada, Norway, Poland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Tunisia, the USA, and in countries of the former USSR.
The exhibition “Party in the 21st Century” is a fascinating and unique endeavor that connects the traditions of Slovak parties with modern art. Created by photographers Ľubomír Sabo and Zuzana Sénašiová, and ethnologist Katarína Sabová, in collaboration with artists Sarah Avni and Ivana Mintálová, this project employs innovative interpretations of ornaments not only as backgrounds for paintings but also as part of face paintings.
The main goal is to present and revive the rich history of Slovak parties—traditional head adornments deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Slovakia. By combining ethnological research with modern artistic techniques like photography and painting, these Slovak parties become attractive to contemporary audiences.
The significance and popularity of this artistic exhibition are reflected in its international reception. Over the 10 years of the project’s existence, the exhibition has represented Slovakia at major global exhibitions and events such as EXPO 2020 in Dubai, The Belt & Road – Culture & Art Festival 2021 in Langfang, as well as the last two Winter Olympics in South Korea in 2018 and in China in 2022. The artworks have already been seen by over 1,000,000 people at more than 65 exhibitions in cities like Brussels, Vienna, Prague, Pyeongchang, Ottawa, Shanghai, Beijing, Guiyang, New York, Washington, Moscow, Berlin, Frankfurt, Bautzen, Istanbul, Izmit, and Sofia.
Thus, the project has already secured a place among significant works of Slovak art.
Admission: Pre-sale starting from €19.