In Klaipėda – a unique performance by Monika Dirsytė and Agnė Sabulytė “Axis Code”

Saturday, May 27, from 1 to 5 p.m. In Klaipėda, John’s Hill, an exclusive and intriguing performance “Axis code” will take place, where two talented creators will join forces – performance artist Monika Dirsytė and opera soloist Agnė Sabulytė. Friday, May 26 at 6 p.m. Klaipėda citizens and guests of the city are invited to meet the artists for a conversation about the performance genre in the courtyard of the KKKC Exhibition Hall (Dižioji Vandens 2 / Aukštoji st. 1).

The modern world is described as a constant human effort to rework and master reality at will. Human history shows that this effort has not only creative but also destructive potential. Therefore, it is a prerequisite for both human freedom and a total relationship with the Other. The total relationship with the Other manifests itself in different existential forms – as a quest to track, control, maintain, attract, transform or possess. It can be seen in the most diverse levels of human relations, from interpersonal to international. Freedom seems to remain an unfulfilled ideal or an unattainable aspiration. Monika Dirsytė and Agnė Sabulytė, the creators and performers of the performance “Axis Code”, invite us to consider whether a non-violent relationship is possible in principle? Is it possible to experience a connection that leads to existential transformations, but at the same time preserve one’s own identity and uniqueness? Finally, in the context of the posthumanist culture that structures the modern world, a fundamental question is raised: what is the essence of humanity itself – its axis or code? Moving to the Other or returning to the Self?

The idea of ​​the performance “Axis Code” arose in December of last year, when these two artists of different genres met and established a friendship. Through the implementation of the performance, they wanted to reflect the aspirations of human freedom and the total relationship with others. The main themes that “Axis Code” explores are modern man’s efforts to rework and master reality, which contains creative and destructive potentials.

“Axis code”, as well as other works of M. Dirsytė, is characterized by well-thought-out scenography and installation, and the action itself requires great endurance from both performers – both psychological and physical. A 5 m high installation was created especially for this performance, and M. Dirsyte herself had to overcome her fear of heights. The premiere of the performance “Axis Code” took place in 2022. on October 7 at the contemporary art fair “ArtVilnius”.

Before the performance – a conversation with M. Dirsyte and A. Sabulyte

Friday, May 26, 6 p.m. KKKC in the yard of the Exhibition Hall (Didijiji Vandens st. 2 / Aukštoji st. 1, Klaipėda) there will be a meeting with the artists, during which they will talk about the performance genre and the performance “Axis code”. The discussion will be devoted to discussing the concept, endurance, will and experience of the idea, as well as the synthesis and collaboration of representatives of two different genres. The possibilities of the performance genre, its definition and limits, as well as the importance of contemporary art in cultural politics and the movement of contemporary art towards man will be examined.

In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held at the KKKC Exhibition Hall.

About the author

Monika Dirsyte (b. 1989, Panevėžys) is one of the most famous performance artists in Lithuania, who usually works at the intersection of installation and performance. Counting already ten years of creativity in the performance genre, the artist has realized over 20 memorable and complex performances in Lithuania and abroad. in 2015 the best artist chosen by the audience of “ArtVilnius’15” (performance “I am your sun”). in 2016 completed bachelor’s and master’s studies in sculpture at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. The artist has presented performances in Great Britain (London’s “D Contemporary” gallery), Germany (Berlin’s “Burster” gallery), Holland, Hungary and elsewhere. The works have been acquired by the Mo Museum. Currently, M. Dirsytė is studying for a doctorate in art (research topic “Transperformance as a link between art and life”).

Monika Dirsyta is represented by the Vilnius City Gallery “Art Niša”.

Agne Sabulytė – opera soloist, actress, creator and initiator of creative projects, author of lyrics and music. in 2009 awarded the “Golden Cross of the Stage” in the debut nomination for the role of Isadora in the monoplay-opera “Izadora”. The artist’s repertoire includes contemporary mono-opera, Japanese music to classical genre, tango, Lithuanian folk, partisan songs and the artist’s own original work. in 2022 the artist got to know the performance genre: she participated in Monika Dirsytė’s renewed performance “True not True” together with the painter, performanceist Evaldus Jans and actor Matas Dirginčius, at the contemporary art fair “ArtVilnius’2022” she presented a joint work with Monika Dirsyte – the performance “Burster”.

Photographs and/or video will be taken during the event. We inform you that the participants may be seen in the photos and videos of the event published in various media.