Albertina Viegas. La’o Lemorai. How to be at home in the absence of home.

How to be at home in the absence of home (1) is an apt subtitle for Albertina Viegas’ first major exhibition in Poland. Viegas’ work operates between different geographies, languages and social settings. A preference for moving over static images. The interplay of found and specially generated materials is a constant thematic – as well as a strong ritual component. The La’o Lemorai exhibition and accompanying catalogue is the culmination of the Artist Residence Programme of the Municipal Gallery bwa in Bydgoszcz held in November 2020.
Curated by Danuta Milewska, the central installation is based on the initiating image from the very heart of the Earth, one could say, filtered by the personal stories and Albertina Viegas’ private rituals – an artist from East Timor based in Bydgoszcz. Rai Matan – Matan Felun means Eye of the Earth – Opening of the Earth. This spacious image is filled up – rendered complete – by the senses when you look at it. And changes with movement. Until the moment you see at what cost life comes to you. The exhibition echoes between ‘home stories’ (stories of home) and history and gives us the feeling of what it is to be ‘inhabited’ (under occupation).

(1) John von Sturmer, Home as Homelessness, La’o Lemorai exhibition catalogue text.