Dams, volcanoes and the Coven:
Emina Djukić (project conceptualisation); Tia Čiček (curation); Asiana Jurca Avcı, Sara Rman, Urška Savič (exhibition implementation support); Nataša Burger, Ana Dolinar, Suzana Grau, Darja Hrastnik, Irena Tomažin Zagoričnik (workshop implementation)
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Exhibition events:
15. 3. from 13:00 until 18.00: Suzana Grau: PMS, what are you so angry about?, Ritual Workshop for Recognising the Gifts of Feminine Anger (in Slovene)
19. 3. from 16:00 until 19:00: Ana Dolinar: The Sacred Feminine Anger (workshop, in Slovene)
21. 3. at 18:00: Viewing of the exhibition with the curator Tia Čiček (in Slovene)
22. 3. from 20:00 onwards: All Strings Detached: The Witching Hour (concert and celebration)
27. 3. from 16:00 until 19:00: Nataša Burger: The Fire Within (workshop, in Slovene – workshop applications closed))
29. 3. from 10:00 until 13:00: Darja Hrastnik: Transformation of anger through meditation (workshop, in Slovene)
2. 4. from 16:00 until 19:00: Irena Tomažin Zagoričnik: Jezoglasje (Angervoice, workshop, in Slovene – workshop applications closed)
Registration for the workshops is compulsory: https://forms.gle/WiZSygrvAXZaQMKp8
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The cause why women are often found to be witches than men: they have such an unbridled force of fury and concupiscence naturally that by no means is it possible for them to temper or to moderate the same.
Reginald Scot, Discoverie of Witchcraft, 1584. In: Agarwal, Pragya. 2022. Hysterical: Exploding the Myth of Gendered Emotions. Edinburgh: Canongate Books Ltd.
The exhibition Fire Lessons: Dams, Volcanoes and the Witching Hour opens up a space for reflection on the anger of others (women, non-binary, trans, BIPOC, etc.) about an emotion that has been denied, demonised and repressed throughout history when not expressed by white cis-hetero men. In a research project that brings together contemporary art, feminist theory and therapeutic practices, the Coven explores the perception of anger and its place in personal and collective experience.
The anger of women, non-binary, queer, trans, BIPOC, etc. is often seen as a threat – something to be repressed, tamed or neutralised. Society interprets it as a sign of hysteria, uncontrollability, irrationality and lack of cultivation, thereby reinforcing existing patriarchal patterns. But anger is also a source of power, a tool for transformation, a way of setting personal boundaries, an expression of rebellion and a demand for justice. In this project, it is understood as an affect that allows the forging of connections and a sincere sharing of experiences.
Through a series of interviews and workshops, the Coven explores the affective dynamics of anger. How is it expressed? How is it embodied? What forms of expression emerge when anger is socially unacceptable? Who has the right to be angry? When and how? The intersection of feminist theory and psychology is central to raising OR addressing these questions. The project draws on research into the impact of anger on both the individual and the community, as well as the role of the family and social dynamics on how anger is expressed.
Part of the exhibition process is a constantly evolving display that offers space for various workshops and a discursive programme where anger is analysed, but also actively explored as a form of expression and self-assertion.
The project Fire Lessons: Dams, Volcanoes and the Witching Hour is at once emotional, political and physical … in which it is possible to understand that anger is not a destructive force, but a key moment of power and transformation.
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Emina Djukić (1982) is an artist and Assistant Professor of Photography at UL ALUO. Prior to her employment, she was self-employed in the field of photography, animation and film. In her latest projects Timeless (2023) and Me Like You, Looking at You (2024), she has been exploring social and marginal themes, compassion for self and others, and collective empowerment.
Tia Čiček (1992) is an art historian and curator. She is part of the collective bad curating inc. and Artistic Director of Škuc Gallery. She co-runs the World of Art School and curates projects that explore alternative curatorial approaches and dynamics between cultural workers.
Asiana Jurca Avcı (1992) is a photographer, videomaker and visual artist. She works with the Maska Institute and other non-governmental organisations. Her practice centres on theatre, performance art and film, exploring themes of relationships, gender roles and authenticity. In 2023, she carried out the participatory performance TRA(N)CE, and in 2024, she exhibited at BIO 28.
Sara Rman (1992) works at the intersection of art and craft, using photography to explore identity, freedom and raw aesthetics. She creates interactive and installation works, and questions the indexicality of photography.
Urška Savič (1992) is a photographer, critic and radio artist. She graduated from FAMU and received her MA at UL ALUO, where she was also the recipient of the Prešeren Student Award. She is active at Radio Študent, collaborates with Fotografija magazine and teaches at UL ALUO as an external lecturer.
Nataša Burger (1968) is an actress and teacher. She was educated in Ljubljana and Prague, where she graduated from the conservatory and the performing arts academy. She has acted in numerous theatres and films, and has also written several plays. She teaches at the University of Nova Gorica and runs acting workshops. In 2023, she published the book Igrati (se) [Play (Yourself)].
Ana Dolinar (1983) is an actress, host of the Mater podcast and mother of three. After studying at UL AGRFT in Ljubljana, she was a member of Mestno gledališče ljubljansko (Ljubljana City Theatre) for 12 years. She gained further training and education at the Tamalpa Institute of Expressive Arts (USA) and is the founder of ARTerija – a community for women’s personal growth.
Suzana Grau (1976) is an actress, educator and creator of ritual experiences who has been exploring art, women’s issues and empowerment for over a decade under the umbrella of the Red Tent. Her work combines voice, physical expression and ritual as tools for empowerment and expression of women’s stories. She has collaborated with art institutions, festivals and museums, including City of Women (2021), University of Primorska (2023) and Museum of European Cultures in Berlin (2023–2025).
Darja Hrastnik (1956) has an MSc in Pharmaceutical Engineering and is an internationally certified Satyananda Yoga teacher. She has been practising yoga since 1981 and works at the Tara Yoga Centre, the only one in Slovenia run by an Indian Swami. She trained under Swami Vishwashakti, who is a direct disciple of Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati.
Irena Tomažin Zagoričnik (1979) is an artist in the field of performing arts and improvised music. She runs workshops with voice, body and movement for performers. She also teaches at Alma Mater and UL AGRFT. Together with Alessio Castellacci, she founded The World is Sound (TWIS), an independent platform for research into the human voice and sonic expression.
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Acknowledgments: Mesto žensk.
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Slovene proofreading: Inge Pangos
English translation: Arven Šakti Kralj
Design: Lea Jelenko
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The Škuc Gallery programme is supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Ljubljana.
