TOTALITÄR

Cryptid Art Space presents

TOTALITÄR
Exhibition by Emil Saparevski

22 May – 2 June

The idea for this exhibition came from Tanju — my friend, a Bulgarian émigré from Istanbul. We first presented it there three years ago.
He and I grew up and were raised in a totalitarian society, and perhaps that is why, knowing it down to its smallest details, we were never afraid of its flaws and distortions. At the same time, we calmly embraced its austere aesthetics and even found meaning for ourselves in some of its manifestations and values.
We did not allow our minds to be washed clean, nor did we hide behind walls of ignorance. We even remained a little old-fashioned.
Now that we live in turbulent times, when boundaries are blurred and lies are written, spoken, and carried out beneath the mask of Truth, when new values and prophets appear, I believe one must try to wake up, to find the real things for oneself, not give in to manipulation, and hold the line beyond which freedom is lost.
According to Nietzsche, the freest human being is found where there is danger of slavery. /Emil Saparevski/

Emil Saparevski is one of the first tattoo artists in Bulgaria and a defining figure in the local underground culture. He is the founder of Sofia’s oldest tattoo studio — Inky Dragon (opened way back in 1993) — and the organiser of Sofia Tattoo Fest (2001 – 2019). He owns the independent music label Corvus, which has released artists such as Voyvoda, Kayno Yesno Slonce, Vrani Volosa, Lingua Fungi and Rose Rovine e Amanti.

Opening: 22.05.2023, 6:00 pm
Cryptid Art Space (1 Dimitar Traykovich St.)