I am still on the road - since Athens last month, I am going around (Cyprus, Netherlands, Cyprus again, now Bulgaria) and it’s quite a busy time: recharging big time with wonderful energy coming from so many wonderful people I got to meet and reconnect with.
But also because of this crazy travelling, I didn’t have time to reflect and write. Next month, I hope I will have much more to send you here.
_things to share »
▲ <Dutch Design Week recap/> I cannot be more grateful, what a blast! Not only did I have the privilege to present my project at the Eindhoven Library, but I couldn’t imagine how many wonderful people I would meet because of it!
Some numbers: there were 19 game-playing sessions, 4 of them were pre-organised with people to sign up in order to attend them, and all the rest happened on the spot - by people walking in and joining a game either with me, or on their own!
For what I managed to get, they (56 players) came from many different lands (Belgium, Bulgaria, the Caribbean, Colombia, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, Portugal, Thailand, Taiwan, and Ukraine), and their various backgrounds sparked memorable and exciting discussions.
In addition, because of the nature of the work, I had meaningful conversations and moments with most of the visitors who did not have time for a game-playing session or found themselves on the spot by chance.
That week felt like a shower of good energy and amazing feedback about “Our Future Is Somewhere Here”.
I am forever grateful for the supporters who helped me get there during my fundraiser.
Now it is time for a thorough reflection and brainstorming on what the next steps for the game could be.
🖤 <for my Bulgarian friends: let’s support Nula32/> My dear friend Boyana is involved in this magazine that is currently expanding to Sofia. The Plovdiv-born Nula32 is a periodic, freely-distributed, cultural magazine, established in 2015. Yesterday, I attended their anniversary book launch in Sofia and got my hands on this super nice publication. The magazine is struggling and looking for regular support from their audience - thus, have a look and if you love what they do, like their content, why not join their army of independent cultural supporters :) I did it a few months ago <3
★ <artist game: Dead Minutes/> And speaking of games, thanks to my dear Kimberley, I came across “Dead Minutes”. It’s another artist game made by Tom K Kemp, also a social, political, serious, and philosophical take on how do we design our world - in this case, our afterlife. Have a look here, you can also get it online.
Dead Minutes: cover and order of play. Screenshots from the publication.
💭 <some experiences to share/>
★ Tilda Swinton’s Ongoing exhibition at Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam. I love her so much, I was so lucky this was happening while I was passing by. There and sound & video installations, old and new works, reflective artworks and a simply lovely ambience of her spirit all around the place.
★ Ivan Vukadinov exhibition at Sofia City Art Gallery. He used to work with the encaustic technique, which makes his work rather distinctive from most of the other art during his time. Also, he had a peculiar story and complicated relationship with the Bulgarian country. Of course. It’s rare to see all his work in one place as most of it is in private collections, so it’s a good idea to pay a visit.
★ Had a wonderful reunion with the power team of Emprove. Will soon tell you why. Meanwhile, I am so so sorry I will miss this amazing exhibition - Hear my voice (Чуй гласа ми) - at MONUMENT gallery (Sofia). It includes portrait photography, sound, and video to create a multidimensional experience of male emotionality and the power of sharing. Don’t miss it.
★ And speaking of Emprove’s amazing events and campaigns, I finally got their 2024’s activity report book in my hands (which I designed and illustrated). ▶▶You can see it online here.
🖤 Any thoughts after experiencing this letter? Would be happy to read them :-)
