Exhibition: Hit and Miss
In commemoration of last week's International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the Katarzyna Napiórkowska Art Gallery launched a special exhibit devoted to the cause. The exhibition, based on a collection of photographs shot by Gorm K. Gaare, has actually been on display since mid-March. Last Friday, however, marked a significant moment for the movement in Poland and around the world as dozens of nations hosted their own protests, exhibitions and happenings to highlight and help prevent injuries from landmine accidents.
Morten Traavik, who conceived and directed the project, set up the first-ever beauty contest for the female victims of such accidents in the Southwestern African Republic of Angola. Ten women from various provinces of one of the world's most war-torn countries - and one of the most affected by civilian landmine casualties - competed for the title of Miss Landmine.
"The project intends to turn the focus towards the tragic consequences of landmines among civilian peoples a long time after the resolution of a conflict," remarked gallery owner Katarzyna Napiórkowska. "It's been created in such a way as to deflect the more common representations of third-world images in the popular media."
Gaare's depiction of these women highlights their femininity without disguising their deformities. They come across as beautiful, brave and, full of dignity. His intention was to give these victims back what other depictions of their lives might take away - depictions that are based on the marginalization of the disabled - and presents them in a fresh, sensual, even fun manner. The women in the photos express sincere joy and confidence, and their radiant faces almost entirely draw the viewer's attention away from their missing limbs.
Miss Landmine will run through April 11 at the Katarzyna Napiórkowska Gallery, Rynek Starego Miasta 19/21. The exhibit was organized in cooperation with the Polish Red Cross, the Canadian Embassy, the Norwegian Embassy and various aid organizations
