| HOMELESS WINDS Natalia Papaeva & Minsun Kim “Homeless Winds” is a new exhibition at Bradwolff Projects where artists Natalya Papayeva and Kim Minsun explore the question of national identity through linguistic aspects. They discuss people whose personal geography—place of birth, upbringing, residence, and ethnic roots—is diverse, and how such individuals identify themselves through their choice of language for communication. Like "homeless winds," these individuals tirelessly cross borders, immerse themselves in different cultures, and take on various roles. In their journey, they often strive to create a universally understandable common language, building a world where no language or nation is entirely lost, and everyone has equal rights and opportunities. This hope is vital for them as they seek to answer the question, "Who am I?" Supported by AFK Foundation and Mondriaan Fund |
The artists have concluded that the loss of national self-identity sometimes leads to a need to blur the boundaries of languages. They present their explorations in the realm of linguistic experiments, guiding us on a journey where the boundaries between languages are intentionally blurred, allowing words to flow freely like a stream of consciousness. The motivations for such experimentation can be nostalgic or, on the contrary, practical.
Artist Natalia Papaeva, with Buryat roots, has close ties to the Buryat language. By visualizing not only speech but also emotions, she often creates expressive objects to keep her native Buryat language alive. The act of "not forgetting" the language holds very personal motives for Natalia, directly linked to the history of colonization and repression of the Buryat people. Her work reflects on the historical moments of centuries-long oppression, where they were forced to forget their culture, language, traditions, and history.
Artist Minsun Kim, in her practice, works with both English and Korean languages and also incorporates gestures. Minsun's artworks, testing the possibilities of simultaneous conversation and listening, demonstrate the impossibility of hearing and empathizing with the other if one tries to express their thoughts simultaneously. No matter how actively a person tries to listen during a conversation, a delay arises. Therefore, the artist considers it essential to convey that not understanding "right now" is normal.
This project is the third one by curator Natalia Sudova on the subject of languages and dialects in the Netherlands. The first one, “Dialect, Land(e)scape, Culture” in 2022, was an open question for the public, where the audience was supposed to find their own attitude towards the issue of the extinction of languages while simultaneously considering the pros and cons of the globalization process. The second project, “Silver-Tongue: Aspect of Solidarity” in 2023, revealed new layers of how language and dialect proficiency influence movements between micro and macro perspectives of an area, city/village, or country.
"Homeless Winds," the culminating chapter of a triptych project, explores the nuanced interplay between languages, dialects, and national identity. Building upon the introspective queries of "Dialect, Land(e)scape, Culture" and the societal reflections of "Silver-Tongue: Aspect of Solidarity," "Homeless Winds" invites the community to examine how language shapes and echoes our sense of belonging in an ever-globalizing world.
Artist Natalia Papaeva, with Buryat roots, has close ties to the Buryat language. By visualizing not only speech but also emotions, she often creates expressive objects to keep her native Buryat language alive. The act of "not forgetting" the language holds very personal motives for Natalia, directly linked to the history of colonization and repression of the Buryat people. Her work reflects on the historical moments of centuries-long oppression, where they were forced to forget their culture, language, traditions, and history.
Artist Minsun Kim, in her practice, works with both English and Korean languages and also incorporates gestures. Minsun's artworks, testing the possibilities of simultaneous conversation and listening, demonstrate the impossibility of hearing and empathizing with the other if one tries to express their thoughts simultaneously. No matter how actively a person tries to listen during a conversation, a delay arises. Therefore, the artist considers it essential to convey that not understanding "right now" is normal.
This project is the third one by curator Natalia Sudova on the subject of languages and dialects in the Netherlands. The first one, “Dialect, Land(e)scape, Culture” in 2022, was an open question for the public, where the audience was supposed to find their own attitude towards the issue of the extinction of languages while simultaneously considering the pros and cons of the globalization process. The second project, “Silver-Tongue: Aspect of Solidarity” in 2023, revealed new layers of how language and dialect proficiency influence movements between micro and macro perspectives of an area, city/village, or country.
"Homeless Winds," the culminating chapter of a triptych project, explores the nuanced interplay between languages, dialects, and national identity. Building upon the introspective queries of "Dialect, Land(e)scape, Culture" and the societal reflections of "Silver-Tongue: Aspect of Solidarity," "Homeless Winds" invites the community to examine how language shapes and echoes our sense of belonging in an ever-globalizing world.
Side program
During opening was an open discussion with special guests - intercultural philosopher, trainer, author & advisor, autor Podcasts: “Interpreters of languages we no longer speak” - Renate Schepen. It was an insightful dialogue with the artists, curator, and the public.
July 6th, at Bradwolff Projects, was captivated by ‘Homeless Winds’—a display of thought-provoking performances by Minsun Kim and Natalia Papaeva. The energy and engagement from everyone created a lively space that buzzed with excitement.
In ‘Homeless Winds,’ Minsun Kim’s performance ‘Text Based Performative Testing’ had us exploring the challenging act of speaking while listening. This simple, yet profound, interaction created a memorable connection between us and the intriguing space of the gallery.
Natalia Papaeva’s ‘Hello, Today I Am Your Teacher’ immersed us in the sounds of mixed languages Dutch and Buryat , presented without translation. This pushed us to listen more deeply and understand in new ways—moving us beyond our usual comfort zones to reveal hidden depths. These performances stood out for their inviting nature, encouraging audience members to actively interpret and personalize their own experience.
At its heart, ‘Homeless Winds’ is an exploration of what cultural identity means in today’s world—a world without borders, yet full of diverse cultures.
During opening was an open discussion with special guests - intercultural philosopher, trainer, author & advisor, autor Podcasts: “Interpreters of languages we no longer speak” - Renate Schepen. It was an insightful dialogue with the artists, curator, and the public.
July 6th, at Bradwolff Projects, was captivated by ‘Homeless Winds’—a display of thought-provoking performances by Minsun Kim and Natalia Papaeva. The energy and engagement from everyone created a lively space that buzzed with excitement.
In ‘Homeless Winds,’ Minsun Kim’s performance ‘Text Based Performative Testing’ had us exploring the challenging act of speaking while listening. This simple, yet profound, interaction created a memorable connection between us and the intriguing space of the gallery.
Natalia Papaeva’s ‘Hello, Today I Am Your Teacher’ immersed us in the sounds of mixed languages Dutch and Buryat , presented without translation. This pushed us to listen more deeply and understand in new ways—moving us beyond our usual comfort zones to reveal hidden depths. These performances stood out for their inviting nature, encouraging audience members to actively interpret and personalize their own experience.
At its heart, ‘Homeless Winds’ is an exploration of what cultural identity means in today’s world—a world without borders, yet full of diverse cultures.
