In the 5th year of Passion for Freedom festival, curators create space for open dialogue of issues related to freedom of speech, human rights or “…other subjects omitted in politically correct circles.” Showcasing the work of artists from all over the globe, this year’s Festival takes up a new venue for the first time, in the Embassy Tea Gallery in Southwark, from 2 through 9 November 2013.
About Passion for Freedom festival and art competition
The curators of the festival hope to “…gather like-minded people creating a network of actively engaged citizens who hold high the value of individual’s freedom.” The main concerns in this event are related to socio-political issues for women, LGBTQQ communities and other marginalised groups of people.
Through this festival, the curators aim to use “…the universal language of art to strengthen humanistic values for the benefit of our societies.”
35 short-listed artists are selected from hundreds of applicants, ultimately representing 13 countries in the show: Afghanistan, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Poland, UK and USA.
Prizes are awarded to 8 artists in Passion for Freedom festival
- Freedom Ambassador 2014 (1st Prize) – Victoria Burgher, “The Perfect Stone”, performance/interaction
- 2nd Prize – Melano Sokhadze, “Plan today for tomorrow with our foresight advise”, sculpture/photography
- 3rd Prize – Bee Flowers, “Head#6″, paper/sculpture
- Special prize – Lara Jacoski, “Balansophy”, video
- Public award (by visitor vote) – Martha Mosse,“The Slut, the Spinster and the Perfect Woman”, performance
- PFF Gold award – Laura Jean Healey, “The Siren’, video
- PFF Silver award – “Silent Conquest”, video
- PFF Bronze award – “Girl Rising”, video
Slideshow of images from the private view event
More links and information
- Passion for Freedom – website and more details
- Review of Passion for Freedom on skiddle.com
- List of artists in Passion for Freedom festival
- Why can’t we admit we’re scared of Islamism? by Nick Cohen in The Spectator
Artists appearing in Passion for Freedom festival 2013
Hangami Amiri and Fazila Amiri, Azadeh Behroozi, Katrin Bertram, Gary Betts, Victoria Burgher, Lisa Brown, Jamal de Jong, An Deceuninck, Jason File, Bee Flowers, Mark Yale Harris, Paul Hawdon, Matthew Hayward, Lara Jacoski, Izabela Leska, Bahàr Majdzàdeh, Shauna McCann, Jenny Meyer, Martha Mosse, Jack Mulele, Emma Niemis, Aneta Nowicka, Eleni Pavli, Piloro, Deirdre Robb, Anna Maria Rusinek, Sam Shendi, Melano Sokhadze, Maria Strzelecka, Matthew E. Sun, Katarina Uzakova, Tiago Valente, Johan van der Dong, Steven Verstuyft, Joanna Walas
Exhibition details: Passion for Freedom festival appears at Embassy Tea Gallery, 195-205 Union Street, London SE1 0LN from 2 – 9 November 2013. Free admission.
kelise soixante-douze 
I liked some of the art there, but the space was too small. It could have been that we were there on the opening night? Still some of the art left a mark like the slow motion video of the woman in water was surreal, but some of the other pieces left me wanting more. In short.. very diverse group of art and artists.
Yeah, opening nights for art exhibitions are often like that… kind of busy! Which is good for the artists (lots of people see their work, also, this is often the only time the artists and audience can meet each other!) and for the gallery/event organisers. To be honest, the purpose of an event like that is not so much for people to SEE the art; it’s really so people can socialise, celebrate together with the artist/gallery the achievement of having their work on display to the public. But unfortunately, when it’s that busy, the audience doesn’t really have much chance to LOOK at the art. Though I am supportive especially of friends, and understand the need for opening nights, and understand the duty as an artist to be present at opening nights, I have to admit, I often prefer to go to exhibitions after opening night… where I can really enjoy the art itself. But that’s me, the confessed Introvert 😉