Activity Activity Bigo

Rafał Betlejewski, born in 1969 in Gdańsk, is a Polish artist, writer, and copywriter recognized for his work in paratheatre and social campaigns. He founded the Transparent Theater and has initiated significant social projects like "Burn Shame" and "I miss you, Jew!". His artistic interests lie in the exploration of identity, social roles, language, and communication.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Betlejewski has a background in advertising, having founded agencies and worked on campaigns for major Polish companies. He also has a history in media, hosting radio programs and television shows, and was involved in the establishment of Public Medium radio. His work often challenges societal norms and conventions, leading to both acclaim and controversy, particularly concerning his social actions which aim to provoke thought and dialogue on sensitive topics.

Betlejewski is known for his socially charged and often controversial artistic actions. The "Burn Shame" campaign (2001-2004) involved burning symbols of corporate life, targeting employees dissatisfied with their corporate jobs. His "I miss you, Jew!" project (initiated 2004) aimed to reclaim the word "Jew" from anti-Semites and foster positive sentiment by creating public art and encouraging widespread use of the slogan. This campaign included photographic projects and a symbolic event called "Płonie stodola" (The barn is burning) in 2010, where he sought to identify with Holocaust victims. Another notable action was "TV chapel" (2009), a protest against media laws promoting Christian values, which involved creating a chapel with a television instead of a religious icon. His "Beautiful Agony – Anna Politkovskaya" video (2014) involved a provocative act in the location of the journalist's murder, intended as part of an artistic residency.

Betlejewski's engagement with theatre extends to paratheatrical projects. The "Milk – Take Away Theater" (2005-2006) involved commissioned home performances that aimed to unmask consumerism and question the role of theatre. His "Transparent Theater" (founded 2006) produced projects where he adopted and performed various social roles in public spaces, such as a "Teacher on the train" or "Father in the park," only revealing the performative nature of the interaction at the end. The "I Like You and You Like Me" project (2006) at the Orchard Gallery in New York blurred social, professional, and intimate roles between himself and his curator. He also initiated "One Day Theater" (2009), a conceptual project encouraging individuals to recognize the multiple roles they play daily.

Betlejewski has utilized photography and public installations to explore identity and societal perceptions. His 2002 project "Let's get to know each other. Zielona Góra – here and now" featured photographs of prominent local residents on billboards, presenting them in informal settings. In 2004, the series "I prefer Poland" used postcards with images of foreigners in Polish contexts, humorously commenting on national perceptions. The same year, "And would I go?" depicted Warsaw Uprising veterans in unconventional and humorous situations, aiming to present them in a more modern light and question the meaning of patriotism. He also contributed to the comic book "44" (2007), which focused on the Warsaw Uprising.