Anton Karyuk

As a multidisciplinary artist, my work explores queer history, identity and memory dynamics. During my residency at Saari, I will advance my project, Interpretations of Memory: Artistic Practice in the Queer Archive, focusing on transforming archival materials – such as forgotten narratives and emotions – into evocative art that bridges the past and present.

Central to my work is Lithuania’s “išgirsti queer archyvas”, a groundbreaking initiative preserving queer stories. I treat the archives as dynamic entities, reinterpreting them to reveal the overlooked and marginalised. Through video, installations and multimedia art, I aim to amplify queer voices, challenge dominant narratives and foster a deeper understanding of identity and resilience. Saari offers a fertile environment to explore the intersection of art and queer memory, and I intend to develop new approaches for activating the archives during my residency. By crafting artistic forms that reinterpret historical material, I hope to create connections between personal and collective memory, while engaging with the public in meaningful dialogue.

This residency aligns with my commitment to safeguarding vulnerable histories, particularly in times of instability and conflict. I look forward to collaborative opportunities within the Saari community which will deepen my exploration of how contemporary art can illuminate erased narratives and create inclusive cultural conversations. Through this process, I aim to contribute to the cultural dialogue surrounding identity and belonging, celebrating the diversity of human experience and ensuring that queer histories find a renewed voice through artistic expression.