Onglets principaux
Confidante
Started in 2023, The Court Jester is a performative installation that draws inspiration from the figure of the court fool. Here, this figure can be transposed onto the neurodivergent and/or queer person—often precarious and sometimes marginalised—navigating an ultra-normative, binary, elitist, and ableist society. It can also be seen as a reflection of the artist, likewise precarious and occasionally critical, operating within the contemporary contexts of the market, festivals, and institutions.
The work unfolds in chapters. Chapters 1–3 were presented between 2023 and 2024 in Sweden and Switzerland. Confidante is the fourth: a frozen banquet scene, seemingly abandoned by the characters who once inhabited it. Paintings of jesters and symbols sit alongside collected objects and furniture. A costumed figure moves through the space with strange gestures. Colour fills the room, as does a soundtrack of poetry and love songs. Yes, we are talking about love here—but against a backdrop of break-ups, patriarchal oppression, and systemic violence. We also sketch out, perhaps, ways of responding to this condition, through queer reflections that inevitably challenge established norms.
Have you ever gone two years without crying?
Roses rather than lilacs.
I’m done with you.
I’m not afraid to cultivate my secret garden instead of public harassment.
Easy money.
A bit of paid pleasure, for a bit of paid art.
To life, to the city.
I could see you carrying the weirdos’ flag high.
Ciao, bello!
Yours, deeply,
Your Confidante.
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Sylvain Gelewski (he/they) is an artist and curator who graduated in Contemporary Art Practices from HEAD – Geneva (CH) in 2019. He is currently pursuing a Master of Research at the Royal College of Art in London (UK), focusing on figures of marginalisation through practice-based research. His interests include lists, colour, political events, neurodivergence, and the value of labour, explored through a play with norms and their most superfluous details. Recent solo shows and residencies: Hangar CIA, Lisbon, PT (2025); Sihl Delta, Zurich, CH (2024); Backbeatbolaget, Sandviken, SE (2023); Cité internationale des arts, Paris, FR; Dogo Residenz, Lichtensteig, CH (2021); E-Werk, Freiburg i.B., DE (2020). Recent group shows: Kunsthalle, Trier, DE; Gowen Contemporary, Geneva, CH (2024); Ausstellungsraum Klingental, Basel, CH; Raum für Sichtbarkeit, Berlin, DE (2023); Flux Laboratory, Geneva, CH; der TANK, Basel, CH (2022); Centre d’Art Contemporain, Geneva, CH; Fabienne Levy Gallery, Lausanne, CH; Centre d’Art Contemporain, Yverdon, CH (2020); Archivio Conz, Berlin, DE (2019).
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The exhibition is made possible with the support of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, as well as the City of Geneva.
