It’s been a truly overwhelming few days launching The Queer Face of War exhibition. Thank you so much to everyone who donated to make this event possible!
Even before we opened, one of Vienna’s leading newspapers, Der Standard, did a beautiful two-page feature for the weekend edition about the project. You can read the online version here (turn on translation to see it in English). This is the print version, which ran as the crowds arrived in Vienna for Eurovision:
The show not only featured the first large-scale prints from the project, but also premiered a video installation created in collaboration with graphic designer Marcel Wulf. A sound installation by Kyiv sound artist Alice Haspyd, using excerpts from my interviews, ran throughout the gallery. These really helped convey the true scope of the project and bring the subjects of the photos to life.
From the opening. (Photo by Marcel Plavec.)
The exhibition is on view until May 22nd in Vienna, but I head to Berlin next week for an event with the national queer organization LSVD+ and then to Kyiv for another exhibition launch!
Sunday was the start of the Eurovision Song Contest, and I stopped by for the opening ceremony, which begins with the contestants parading down the “Turquoise Carpet” through throngs of spectators into Vienna’s Rathaus. I somehow found my way through the press area to an incredible spot right where the performers climbed to the main stage for their moment on the jumbotron. My favorite pic from the afternoon is of Ukraine’s contestant, Leléka, taking a selfie with a fan flanked by a troupe of computer-headed puppets belonging to the UK.
Thanks again to everyone for their support!
Lester
PS Here’s me looking very uncomfortable having my picture taken on the Turquoise Carpet.
