Fuel & Feathers. Artistic performance by the Slavs & Tatars collective

What is it about?

Fuel & Feathers is a series of performative events at the intersection of art, mythology and social criticism. The project, prepared by the Slavs and Tatars collective and curator Michał Grzegorzek, explores the potential of fire – not as a tool of destruction, but as a creative, queer and transformative force. For several days in October, the Biedermann Factory will host an installation by Slavs and Tatars, styled as a petrol station, where instead of an eagle in the logo, Simurg burns – a mythical, fiery bird known from the traditions of Central Asia and the Middle East, personifying the power of multiplicity, fluid identity and imagination. In this space, artists from around the world will attempt to express themselves beyond imposed identities. The event programme includes evenings of performances, concerts, dance shows and communal ceremonies, all connected by fire – a symbol of transformation, ecstasy and rebirth.

By whom?

Slavs and Tatars – an art collective that explores the cultures of Eurasia through exhibitions, performances, lectures and publications. Their projects are full of humor, erudition and defiance towards dominant narratives.

Michał Grzegorzek – curator of exhibitions and author of texts on contemporary art. He is interested in practices at the intersection of visual and performing arts and experimental exhibition formats.

The event will also feature invited performers, musicians, designers, and artists, including Jacqueline Sobiszewski, creator of moving light landscapes known from theatrical productions, and Astrit Ismaili, an artist who combines movement, voice, and instruments worn on the body.
Slikback — a master of club sounds rooted in African tradition,
Selin Davasse — creator of iconic performances,
Kamil Wesołowski — an artist associated with Łódź, working at the intersection of visual arts, performing arts, and fashion,
Alesia Maisei and Katarzyna Salinger — performers and pole dancers,
Kim Khan — sound artist and multi-instrumentalist,
Lubomir Grzelak – composer, sound artist, and music producer also performing as Lutto Lento,
Agnieszka Brzeżańska – an artist whose work encompasses painting, drawing, photography, film, ceramics, and other media,
Taras Gembik – cultural worker, poet, and activist,
Djibril Sall – a queer Senegalese performer, choreographer, and writer
Sławomir Belina (1968-2019) – photographer, creator of installations and performances, he also worked in sculpture, painting, and poetry.

We invite you to have a look at the curatorial essay.

Program

October 4 (Saturday) 20:30-23:00 | Jacqueline Sobiszewski and Lubomir Grzelak, Astrit Ismaili, Slikback

The opening night will feature a series of performances combining Jacqueline Sobiszewski’s ephemeral performance of light, shadow and smoke with a performance by Kosovo-born artist Astrit Ismaili, who challenges and transforms identity politics, and an energetic bass live act by Slickback, who combines African sound traditions with club futurism.

October 5 (Sunday) 15:00-18:00 | Agnieszka Brzeżańska and Taras Gembik, Djibril Sall

Tea ceremony performed by Djibril Sala, an artist living in Berlin and originally from Senegal. Join us for a peaceful, lazy afternoon hangout in a pleasant, multicultural atmosphere..

October 10 (Friday) 20:30-23:00 | Kamil Wesołowski and friends, Selin Davasse

A surreal night of embodied stories — She-Pigeon by Selin Davasse is a physical metamorphosis of language and identity, while Kamil Wesołowski’s artistic nail salon is a space where nails become a weapon, a spell, and a manifesto — at the intersection of folk tradition and fashion “slay.”

11 października (sobota) 20:30-23:00 | Kim Khan, Katarzyna Salinger and Alesia Meisei

An evening of pole dance, where Alesia Maisei and Catherine Salinger invite you to an experience in which physical exertion and intimacy become a form of expression of emotion and inner tenderness. Kim Khan’s concert is a seamless blend of cultural heritage and sonic transcendence.
Trigger warning: nudity

FOR WHOM

For those open to new forms of artistic expression, seeking art that is sensual, engaged, and unconventional. For those who want to immerse themselves in ritual, sound, and performance, while also experiencing community in a space free from rigid categories of gender, origin, or identity. The event is recommended for people aged 16 and over.

Why is it worth it?

Because it is an event that transcends disciplines, challenges norms and fuels the imagination. Because instead of sticking on more labels, it allows them to be burned — and something new to be built from the ashes. Because Bajura i pióra offers a rare opportunity to meet artists who speak not so much about identity as from within it — through the language of fire, gesture and excess. Because in a world that divides us, this project invites us to be together — strangely, joyfully, passionately.

Partners:

The Foundation for Polish-German Cooperation

Availability

The Bierdermann Factory building has architectural barriers: stairs lead to the exhibition space. A passenger-cargo elevator is available upon prior arrangement. There are no wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

Nearby, there are tram and bus stops: Kilińskiego-Północna, Kilińskiego-Pomorska, and Północna-Kilińskiego.

Photos

Payam Sharifi, Michał Grzegorzek, Kasia Korczak, press materials
Artistic individuals, press materials

#NoweGeografie #Simurg #QueerFlame #SztukaWspółczesna