The exhibition “In Their Place” is a socially significant study by Vladimir Karamazov on the topic of freedom as a fundamental human right that moves the world. At the heart of the idea is the individual interpretation of freedom and life situations that engage us in reconsidering the definition of the concept.
81 photographs, video and audio installations, as well as authentic objects and objects from prison cells, present individuals sentenced to imprisonment who are serving one of the most severe sentences behind the bars of the Belene prison – life imprisonment without the right to pardon. Some of their personal stories are told, moments from their daily lives are shown, which aim to fully introduce the viewers to the atmosphere of a different human existence. The author manages to bring out the concept of freedom by touching on many other aspects of human existence, rather than isolating it solely to its relationship with the body and the surrounding environment.
Vladimir Karamazov shares: “Following this logic, I decided to explore the “face of evil” from a reverse perspective – me, the free physical person who lives in the prison of his own freedom. I directed my creative efforts to the places where freedom is categorically lacking – prisons. I received permission to work for a year on the small island of Persin in the Danube River, not far from the town of Belene. I was admitted to the life sentence ward. I met them face to face. I talked to people with difficult stories and destinies. In this project, I lend my eyes and, through the photographs of the convicts, express my position as an artist who denies prejudice. I tried to put myself in their shoes without being stupidly idealistic. I know that pure evil exists. But I also believe in repentance and forgiveness. They are what make us human.”
