Milenka Berengolc

Artist Statement

Maneuvering through the rough terrain of a bipolar world, I also know the glory. “Touching the Masters,” one of my most significant theatrical performances, led me to focus on becoming a medium for personal healing, an advocate for societal change, and a warrior fighting to end the stigma attached to mental illness – and any disability. For I also rock to the rhythms of Parkinsonian tremor, a condition that will infuse “Jazz Hands,” the performance I am now developing. I create because of – not in spite of – my disabilities. I join my voice with the voices of all disabled artists and people with disabilities.

Formative elements in my work include experimentation with light – passing and blocking light through varied materials and spaces. As I punctured surfaces, the networks of holes and constellations of vibrating light I created became metaphors for what I think of as passing through, emotionally, mentally and bodily. From a deep enclosed place, I reach out to the world beyond the self. I also explored the abandonment I experienced as a child, and in a moment of discovery, found that I could transform the wall inside of me - I could make it smaller, I could make it soft. Here was a portable wall, now enclosing no space! I began to laugh. Vulnerability and anger were joined by humor, and together, formed the living core of my artistic work.

My fascination with sources of healing energy led to new interactive performances. I surge with empathy toward others who also struggle with pain, especially mental and emotional pain. I have found the universal in the personal. I continue creating a lifelike, connective art that is not ironic, but compassionate.