19:00

Artist Aitor Gonzalez and artist and writer Art Haxhijakupi invite you into an informal talk exploring the plasticity of memory, imagination and identity. The artists will expand on the ways familial histories and collective memory have shaped their artistic practices and the ways hybrid identities can open out new perspectives for seeing the future.

This session is free to attend and will be held on Zoom. Please register by emailing info (at) artworkassociation.org. Registered attendees will receive the link 10 minutes in advance of the discussion

Art Haxhijakupi is an artist and writer from Peja, Kosovo based in London, UK. Throughout the years, he has shown a variety of art projects, media, print and online publications in galleries and other locations throughout Europe, including exhibitions in Kosovo, Serbia, and the UK, as well as film festivals in Austria, Portugal and Switzerland.

Art has had some of his works published in various publications. From his Anna Delvey Foundation neon light (2019) to experimental investigations of trauma in his film Recollection (2017), his artistic practice is a blend of personal observations on sexuality, contemporary exile, pop culture, collective identity and memory, mixed with elements of an oppressive upbringing and genocide survival. He studied English Literature and later received the Chevening Award in the UK for his MA in Cultural and Critical Studies.

Aitor González is a Quechua-Spanish artist, based in London. His practice explores the poetic possibilities of objects, processes and stories taken from the everyday. Trained in sculpture, González has moved towards a more interdisciplinary practice incorporating drawing, painting and mixed media works. His work incorporates the themes of collective memory, family, myths, the diaspora experience and childhood. His perspective is informed by navigating spaces as a queer person– and the notions of alternative fluid histories and intimacies it entails.

Aitor recently developed a solo exhibition at Robert’s Gallery in Glasgow (2022).He was included in MELTDOWN, Ridley Road Project Space, London (2022); The Manchester Contemporary and an accompanying exhibition Grey Area (curated by Kevin Hunt), PINK, Manchester (2022) and Preparations (curated by LateWorks), Cafe OTO, London (2021). Aitor has also published an artist book with Forma Editions, London (2022).

Image Credit: Empty heart birdless cage, 2021, Art Haxhijakupi.