Monika and storytelling through movement (Photo series: Life of an artwork)

Knowing Monika for 13 years, I knew I did not have to worry about the outcome of our unprepared and unscheduled photoshoot. I fully trusted her strong charisma and presence. The only goal was to capture that and all the things that precede to what the audience sees. 

Being a dancer is one thing, but being a promoter, choreographer, manager, creative director, house mother aaaand emotional support for all those that need it… that is a job (or more of a life purpose) of one hell of a bosswoman. Enterpreneurship is often a very lonely job. It is hard to relate for those that have not experienced the value of accountability, the complexity of this beatiful journey. She often thanks me for supporting and being there for her, but I have a feeling that I dont tell her enough that it is me that is grateful. Grateful for having Monika in my life and sharing all the beautiful and painful moments with her. 

Thank you for creating a shame-free zone for me, and everyone that you teach. For helping people believe in themselves and empowering women every day. If someone deserves a spotlight it is definitely you, Mon.

At the beginning stages of the covid crisis, there were many opinions by the general public on social media that artists should not be entitled to get supported by the state. That culture and the arts are not important or necessary during the hard times. As a result, the work of all artists and people working in the cultural industry has been insulted and degraded. The reason could be ignorance or the unawareness of what actually falls under the cultural sphere and how many everyday situations we encounter with art. My new project "Life of an artwork" is dedicated to comprehensively document the creative process of several established artists from Slovakia from various industries.