Studio Queer: Anton Shebetko „A Brief Queer History of Ukraine”

Anton Shebetko’s exhibition presents the history of Ukraine’s queer community. The artist uses photos, videos and interviews to create an ongoing open catalog. He collects materials to form a contemporary and historical archive, and then assembles its elements by arranging them into stories.

Shebetko tells about the changes in Ukraine in recent years – before and after the total invasion of Russia. He highlights the invisible queer aspect of the biographies of contemporary and historical public figures in Ukraine and draws attention to the impact of political changes on the lives of those in the queer community. On the one hand, he shows the micro-histories of his heroines and heroes, approaching them with sensitivity, and on the other, he captures the specifics of the times in which they live.

Russia’s total invasion of Ukraine and the war changes everything. However, the portraits and interviews the artist creates in his ongoing project “To Know Us Better” continue to document life and capture images that can serve as a kind of manifesto. A free queer body is freedom for all.

The exhibition is held as part of the Studio Queer – a place where you are at home and can be yourself! In cooperation with the Kultura Równości association, as part of the WroPRIDE 2023 Pride Festival, Studio BWA Wrocław opens its space to the LGBT+ community. The space is called Studio Queer. The program will include a number of queer cultural events including community group meetings, workshops and themed evenings.