Low-Tech Documentary: Vahida Ramujkic and Aviv Kruglanski


Selected works on exhibition in Kinoteka (2nd floor) between May 6-15.
Nizio Gallery exhibition: May 12- June 9
Exhibition opening: May 12, 7:30 PM
Weaving workshops in Praga district: May 13-17.


For the past few years Vahida Ramujkic and Aviv Kruglanski have been developing their method of recording reality through real time documentary embroidery. The technique they employ is called low-tech (as opposed to the high-tech, or advanced technology). Their aim is not only to record reality. Their choices and syntheses of most relevant images – a mental editing process, one might say – allows them to render a personal account of a given situation or pose essential questions. At the same time, artists try to engage the members of the community in which they are conducting their documentary work in the process of creating images of the reality that surrounds them. Low speed of the process works to the artists' benefit – the time needed to complete embroidery work allows for creating bonds and group ties between project participants, as well as conversing about and testing of the surrounding environment.
The works created – often results of group effort - document both the inner and the outer processes that had occurred in the given group. The form of the artwork becomes its content, while the documentary's subject may become the its creator. And vice versa.
Low-tech technology big asset is that it does not require any substantial financial input, specialized knowledge nor education. Documentary embroidery is by no means an attempt at doing away with traditional cinema; rather, this means of artistic expression is a form of making a socio-economic statement.
Vahida and Aviv have visited Cairo, Beograd, Barcelona and Bristol with this project. They are also planning to go to Palestine. This year they were invited to visit Warsaw by Nizio gallery. Their works will be presented in public space and some of it will be exhibited on the 2nd floor of Kinoteka cinema in the Palace of Culture and Science. Furthermore, the artists will hold a 5-day workshop on documentary embroidery in Praga district of Warsaw.

The project is supported by Bęc Zmiana New Culture Foundation.

Paulina Jeziorek – project curator

Vahida Ramujkic (b. 1973) – born and currently based in Beograd, Ramujkic focuses on artistic activity in public space and natural environment. She is the co-founder of Rotor collective (www.rotorrr.org), which organized a series of amusing and critical projects on the streets, rooftops and beaches around Barcelona (2001-2007). She has worked in Europe, USA and Northern Africa.

Aviv Kruglanski (b.1970) – born in Tel Aviv, currently based in Barcelona. In his work Kruglanski uses textiles that serve as social catalysts in public space. Former member of Las Agencias, Yomango and Costura De Código Abierto (Open Source Sewing) collectives. When he was based in Chicago, he founded the Dogmatic Gallery and Goodlookin Magazine. He was also an organizer of untypical fashion shows, which served as a means of social intervention.