THE TUNNEL

THE TUNNEL – dethinking is a site-specific collaborative artwork in the public space inspired by Jelsa´s life, rhythms and atmospheres, by the daily and night flow of people in the KALA and their surroundings. It is the result of an artistic residency program that challenged artists to critically reflect on the relations of space, place, territory, migration, micro-communities, and connection, focusing on practices such as ecological art and care practices. The goal was to connect with
local communities and to share knowledge in a collaborative environment allowing co-creation and co-development of the final artwork.

The thematic group exhibition TUNNEL – dethinking brought together a group of artists with diverse backgrounds that, in their way and during the 10 days of artistic residency got inspired, explored and connected with the local reality of Jelsa, specifically the life of KALA, as a form of artistic research. Using methods of sound walking, storytelling, film, sound, and mixed media aiming to let the audience experience their interpretations of the place.

From approaching initial dichotomic concepts such as the tunnel as being a transition vs a connection space, the question of being a public vs a private site, the darkness vs light of the place, to perceiving the local vs the touristic use, the human vs nature aspect and the micro vs macro ecologies that are present in the areas, a series of happenings were developed to create new dynamics of the space, enhance the meaning of interactions and, ultimately, enjoy the beauty of the specific site.

The Jelsa Art Biennale is a festival of contemporary art, which since 2019 on the island of Hvar connects different audiences through a multitude of artistic media and practices. The event is specific for works that are mainly performed in public spaces or spaces out of use, activated as part of the festival, with the aim of bringing contemporary art closer to the widest possible audience and emphasizing art that conveys the message of social responsibility and sustainability.