Alma Gačanin

What role do you think art can play in social change?

It can play an important role, depending on circumstances, reach, and visibility. Art led me to feminism, which is the most important thing that happened to me. I believe art can change lives, just like it changed mine. It shows us different reality is possible, it is never easy but it is worth it. 

How would you describe your artistic practice amplifying/supporting social movements?

I guess the biggest anecdote is that every job I get is an art project. Transforming working positions into artistic ones is something my audience understands I would say. For example, my work “I Will Do What I Want” inspired some women who have been exploited for years on their jobs, to resign and find better working positions. I feel I am doing the right thing when women write to me that they felt encouraged and empowered by some of my works or that it has made them rethink their position in personal or work life. And of course, I am deeply moved when my art can open conversations about sensitive and important topics like womanhood, girlhood, sexuality, pleasure, power positions, bodily autonomy, etc. 

What do you hope to achieve through this award?

With this award, I feel I have been given precious time, which is one of the most valuable things an artist can be provided with. I hope I will be able to rest and relax and invest my time in new works. I want to write scripts for performance pieces that have been on my mind for quite a while and develop a new series of drawings on a large scale.