Slct Gallery, in collaboration with AR Cities by Street Gallery, is opening an exhibition of digital installation by BIIMO “Born This Way”, curated by Giorgi Kekelidze.
Augmented Reality project "Born This Way", the central theme of innate sexual orientation and gender identity is highlighted through both artistic expression and educational elements. To elaborate on the fact that any aspect of one's queer identity is not a choice nor influenced by external propaganda but emphasizes that they are inherent from birth.
Current Georgian government's legislative proposals could significantly restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals through a discriminatory constitutional bill. This bill seeks to ban any public expressions or gatherings that might be interpreted as 'promoting same-sex relationships.' Such developments are especially troubling as Georgian people strive to strengthen their ties with the European Union, which holds equality and human rights as fundamental values. It is crucial that these rights are respected and protected for all citizens, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The central image in this AR experience is the face of a baby: BIIMO, symbolizing innocence and the beginning of life. The face is rendered in vibrant rainbow colors, transitioning fluidly across the spectrum to represent diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. "Born This Way" aims to serve as a powerful educational tool. It provides clear, accessible information that reinforces the understanding that being gay or having any queer identity is a natural part of human diversity. This fundamental premise helps dismantle harmful stereotypes and counters the misinformation spread by those who claim that queer identities are choices influenced by external factors.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
BIIMO is an anonymous street artist and activist who uses various mediums to make social statements and protests. Known for his provocative installations, BIIMO’s works transform urban landscapes into sensitive narratives that address various social and political issues.
From street art installations to digital sculptures and NFTs, BIIMO is known for its multidisciplinary approach. BIIMO’s works also explore the intersection of art and the digital world.
One of BIIMO’s notable projects is "Puppet House, 2021," an installation on the Parliament building of Georgia. In 2021, demonstrators demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister, who, through his statements against LGBTQ+ individuals, incited radical groups to violence against peaceful citizens. As a result, 53 journalists were injured, and one tragically died. With this installation, BIIMO once again highlighted the repressive policies of the state towards LGBTQ+ people and the puppet-like, conformist, and selective attitude of parliament members towards human rights violations.
Another significant work by BIIMO is "ДЕТИ" ("Children"), which was created in collaboration with artist Levan Amashukeli and placed on the Russian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. The AR installation was dedicated to the memory of those killed in the airstrike on the Mariupol Drama Theater by Russian occupation forces on March 16, 2022.
Exhibitions:
IHAM gallery Paris – 14 Oct 2023
Berlin, AR Cities, Nov 2023
Vienna, AR Cities, Dec 2023
Theatre Factory 42 – Sep 2023
SXSW 2022 – Metaverse Gallery, Mar 14 – 18, 2022
AR Installation La Biennale di Venezia – Aug 2022
Brussels, European Parliament – Jun 2022
#SupportUkraine – Mar, 2022
Augmented Reality exhibition – New York, Times Square, Oct 1, 2021
NFT CRACKER event – LONDON by Ethereal Collective & NFTUK. Dec 8, 2021
Contemporary Art Space – Batumi, Nov 19 – 25, 2021
Parliament of Georgia – June 2021