Mikołaj Sobczak
Lutzi Puppe Wutzi (2023)
Mikołaj Sobczak, Lutzi Puppe Wutzi (2023), performance, photo: steirischer herbst / Wolf Silveri
Courtesy of the artist
What kind of advice can the past give to the present? Mikołaj Sobczak’s new performance for herbst cabaret provides a unique answer, reviving the 19th century with a life-size puppet of one of its most vivid figures: Archduke Ludwig Viktor of Austria, also known as Luzi-Wuzi. It was an open secret that he preferred the company of men, sometimes appearing publicly in drag. Sobczak talks to the puppet about class struggles and queer rights then and now—a time when the repressive climate of bygone days is returning.
Mikołaj Sobczak (1989, Poznań, Poland) is an artist working with video, painting, and ceramics, often including performative elements as well. In his work, Sobczak focuses on political issues and historical policy, emphasizing the perspective and life of marginalized subjects. He builds narratives and tracks down the reasons for current global and social issues. Recent exhibitions took place at Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin; MUDAM, Luxembourg; Museum of Modern Art, Warsaw; and Museum Ludwig, Cologne. He lives in Warsaw and Amsterdam.
Commissioned and produced by steirischer herbst ʼ23
14.10., 21:00
15.10., 19:00
Forum Stadtpark (basement)
Stadtpark 1
8010 Graz ♿
18/14 euros per evening
Duration: 45 min.
In English
Puppet-maker: Olik Stawik
Costume design: Atelier Planeta
Commissioned and produced by steirischer herbst ʼ23
