Rainbow Will Return in May 2014
According to the Warsaw City Hall, artist Julita Wójcik is invited to re-install her Rainbow back in Plac Zbawiciela on May 1st 2014, marking the 10th anniversary of the Polish accession to the European Union. The artist however prefers May 17th - International Day Against Homophobia.
"Rainbow" by Julita Wojcik, Saviour Square in Warsaw, photo credits: Adam Mickiewicz Institute
The Rainbow, a 30-ft tall metallic structure, built into an arc and decorated with artificial flowers arranged in rows of different color, was originally created by Gdańsk based sculptur and performance artist Julita Wójcik. While the installation originally adorned the square in front of the European Parliament during the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it first appeared in Plac Zbawiciela back in June 2012.
Since its installation in Plac Zbawiciela, the Rainbow has been subject to numerous vandalism acts and proved to be one of the most controversial works the city has seen in recent years. The first attempt to burn down the Rainbow took place on the 12th of October 2012, was in all likeliness an isolated act of vandalism with a single perpetrator. The second time the Rainbow was burnt down due to fireworks set off on the 31st of December 2012. On the 24th of June 2013, vandals succeeded in destroying the installation without being caught. However, the most recent burning of the Rainbow that took place on November 11th, 2013, according toWojcik, is a clear example of the rise of a serious problem in Poand - homophobia.
Artist Julita Wójcik expressed in her statement regarding the renovations that she prefers to re-install the Rainbow on May 17, 2014 in order to raise awareness on the International Day Against Homophobia, as well as intolerance against homosexuals and minorities.
Wójcik expressed her wish to inform the public that the Rainbow was never directed against anyone, hence it is a shame to see it demolish multiple times in the name of fury and intolerance. Wójcik once again emphasized that her installation was a positive call for respect and human dignity, as well as the right to have one’s own beliefs and views. Wójcik remarked that the most recent burning of the Rainbow is a clear example of the rise of a serious problem – homophobia.
Referencing both past vandalistic attempts, as well as the most recent burning that took place on the 11th of November this year, the artist asked that minorities and homosexuals receive more tolerance and have equal rights. Thus, Wójcik stated that she prefers to re-install the piece on May 17 – the International Day Against Homophobia.
Edited by E.M., 18/12/2013
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