WONNERTH DEJACO curated by Mariana Lemos
„A Tragical Romance“

17.9. - 19.10.2024 Press release Arrow
WONNERTH DEJACO, Ballgasse 6, 1010 Vienna
www.wonnerthdejaco.com

Curator(s):

Mariana Lemos More Arrow
Mariana Lemos (b. 1991, Lisbon), is an independent curator based in London. Her practice focuses on performance art, affect, queer/feminist phenomenologies, and issues related to illness and disability. She holds an MFA in Curating from Goldsmiths University of London (2020) and a BA in Fine Arts (2015). Her curatorial approach centres on public programming, accessibility, and feminist methodologies, often working collectively and collaboratively. Lemos is a member of the FDRG feminist reading group and the SALOON London board. She was Co-Editor at Mercurius Magazine and has written for Art Review, Flash Art, Mousse and Concreta. She has worked as the studio manager for artist Angela de La Cruz and in galleries such as Lisson Gallery, Union Pacific, Arcadia Missa, Black Tower, and the Feminist Library. Recent projects include ‘Vaivém’ by Francisca Pinto at Ostra, Lisbon (PT/2024); ‘DIG IN: Maisie Maris & Laura Mallows’ at Staffordshire St, London (UK/2023); ‘INSOMNIA’ by Leah Clements at South Kiosk, London (UK/2022-23); and ‘Oceanic Feelings’ at Electro Studios Space, St Leonards (UK/2021).
Photo: Iona Sherwood

Artist(s):

  • Leah Clements
  • Rebecca Jagoe
  • Korallia Stergides
  • Marianne Vlaschits

Exhibition text

More Arrow

A Tragical Romance is an evocative exhibition exploring the transcendent potential of the human body through the works of artists Leah Clements, Rebecca Jagoe, Korallia Stergides and Marianne Vlaschits. Moving beyond the conventional boundaries of human form, these artists delve into non-human connections, embracing the natural and supernatural realms to create a narrative of unity and interconnectedness.

 

The exhibition challenges the able-bodied perspective, highlighting how desire, love, and intimacy can foster new forms of crip embodiment. The works presented in A Tragical Romance engage with elements such as water, rocks, ghosts, and animals, inviting viewers to consider an over-identification with the external world. This shift is articulated through various mediums, including photography, sculpture, painting and performance, with text serving as a central axis for this exploration.

 

The artworks reflect a profound sentimentality, addressing the fantasy of crossing the human/non-human divide and the grim reality of our toxic relationship with nature in the face of climate destruction. This exhibition draws parallels with the Romantic era, known for its intense emotions and fascination with the sublime. Like the Romantics, these contemporary works navigate the interplay between beauty and darkness, exploring themes of sorrow, loss, and the fragility of life. In doing so, they offer a contemplative reflection on mortality, particularly through the lens of illness and disability.

Videos

Photos

Leah Clements, Subsolar, 2022, acrylic lightbox, metal frame, 62 x 86.5 cm
Courtesy the artist and Wonnerth Dejaco.
Marianne Vlaschits, Glitch Music, 2023 at Belvedere21, Vienna.
Photos Manuel Carreon Lopez
Marianne Vlaschits, Glitch Music, 2023 at Belvedere21, Vienna.
Photos Manuel Carreon Lopez
Marianne Vlaschits, Celestial Mechanics, 2022.
Photo: Brad Farwell (installation), Simon Veres (repros)
Korallia Stergides, Yellow Liquid Sun, 2020. As If Performance Event at the​ ​CCA Goldsmiths February 2020.
Photography: Rosie Taylor
Korallia Stergides, Yellow Liquid Time (2020), Installation view at Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum, 2023
Photography: Panayiotis Mina
Korallia Stergides, Yellow Liquid Time (2020) at Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum 2023.
Photography: Panayiotis Mina
Leah Clements, An Eclipse Under The Skin, 2022. INSOMNIA at South Kiosk, 2022. Installation view detail.
Photography: Rosie Taylor
Leah Clements, Subsolar 2022. INSOMNIA at South Kiosk 2022, installation view detail.
Photography: by Rosie Taylor
Rebecca Jagoe, How Deep Is Your Love, 2020, at As If Performance Event at the​ ​CCA Goldsmiths 2020
Photography Rosie Taylor
Rebecca Jagoe, iyam wett, 2022.
Image courtesy the artist
Rebecca Jagoe, Scrofula I (2018).
Image courtesy the artist
WONNERTH DEJACO; Exhibition view, A Tragical Romance, with Leah Clements, Rebecca Jagoe, Korallia Stergides and Marianne Vlaschits, curated by Mariana Lemos, for curated by 2024, WONNERTH DEJACO
Photo: Flavio Palasciano
WONNERTH DEJACO; Exhibition view, A Tragical Romance, with Leah Clements, Rebecca Jagoe, Korallia Stergides and Marianne Vlaschits, curated by Mariana Lemos, for curated by 2024, WONNERTH DEJACO
Photo: Flavio Palasciano
WONNERTH DEJACO; Exhibition view, A Tragical Romance, with Leah Clements, Rebecca Jagoe, Korallia Stergides and Marianne Vlaschits, curated by Mariana Lemos, for curated by 2024, WONNERTH DEJACO
Photo: Flavio Palasciano
WONNERTH DEJACO; Exhibition view, A Tragical Romance, with Leah Clements, Rebecca Jagoe, Korallia Stergides and Marianne Vlaschits, curated by Mariana Lemos, for curated by 2024, WONNERTH DEJACO
Photo: Flavio Palasciano
WONNERTH DEJACO; Exhibition view, A Tragical Romance, with Leah Clements, Rebecca Jagoe, Korallia Stergides and Marianne Vlaschits, curated by Mariana Lemos, for curated by 2024, WONNERTH DEJACO
Photo: Flavio Palasciano
WONNERTH DEJACO; Exhibition view, A Tragical Romance, with Leah Clements, Rebecca Jagoe, Korallia Stergides and Marianne Vlaschits, curated by Mariana Lemos, for curated by 2024, WONNERTH DEJACO
Photo: Flavio Palasciano
WONNERTH DEJACO; Exhibition view, A Tragical Romance, with Leah Clements, Rebecca Jagoe, Korallia Stergides and Marianne Vlaschits, curated by Mariana Lemos, for curated by 2024, WONNERTH DEJACO
Courtesy: The Artist and VIN VIN Vienna/Naples| Photo: Flavio Palasciano