Filmoteka Muzeum

Summertale is a vivid contemporary fairy tale which conveys Kozyra’s artistic statement related to the role and value of the male element in (her) world.

The story betrays a patchwork structure. Featuring motifs borrowed from a variety of fairy tales, Summertale combines idyllic aesthetics with elements of horror and thriller. The narrative scaffolding resembles that of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (even though, according to the final credits, there was no specific fairy tale to provide the basis for the film)

Here, dwarves become she-dwarves and Snow White appears as three characters: Maestro (Grzegorz Pitułej, teacher of singing), Gloria Viagra (Berlin-based drag queen) and the artist herself, dressed up as Alice in Wonderland. The tranquil and idyllic atmosphere of the female dwarves’ world is disturbed by the arrival of the three characters. However, the status quo needs to be restored, no matter what it takes.

As part of a broader project In Art Dreams Come True, Summertale plays a unique role of a moralistic parable. Whereas other parts of the project revolve around accepting an artistic challenge (e.g. acting as a 'pop star' in Cheerleader, or reaching a certain level of vocal mastery in Diva. Reincarnation), here the aim is not only to become a fairy tale character but also to convey a certain message – the refusal to eliminate the Other, embodied here by whimsical and often unbearable men.

References: Katarzyna Kozyra, Casting, exhibition catalogue, M. Sitkowska, H. Wróblewska (eds.), Zachęta National Gallery of Art, Warsaw 2010.
 

(AH)

Year: 2008
Duration: 19'58"
Language: no language
Source: HD video

© Zachęta National Gallery of Art

Acquisition date: Jan 30, 2012
Acquisition: deposit
Ownership form: deposit

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