©Adi Bulboacă
ARTIST STATEMENT
As a queer, non-binary artist of Romani descent, my practice bridges performance and activism, centering marginalized voices through narratives of identity, memory, and resistance. I am driven by a commitment to create spaces of radical care and healing, where art becomes both an act of survival and a tool for collective transformation. |
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BIOGRAPHY
Cat Jugravu (they/them/sie) is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, activist and educator, developing narratives that explore the intersections of Romani and queer identities through performance art, installations, educational programs, and curated exhibitions. Their practice is deeply rooted in affective memory studies and remembrance culture, creating spaces that not only evoke connection but also foster active reflection and remembrance. As a curator, Cat is committed to activating global networks that amplify a spectrum of queer and non-white voices, offering marginalized perspectives on contemporary issues.
In their performative projects, Cat seeks to challenge audiences and participants, encouraging a reevaluation of established narratives while framing art as a healing practice. Their approach to education centers on non-cishet identities, utilizing non-traditional methods to empower participants through creative expression and vocal-body training. Cat’s workshops activate personal stories, reclaiming spaces often inaccessible to queer, trans*, and gender non-conforming individuals, and transforming them into emergent spaces of healing. Beyond their artistic endeavors, Cat strives to strengthen community ties in regions where queer individuals lack resources, supporting underground communities in their growth despite societal challenges.
Cat studied Stage Acting at The National University of Theatre and Film in Bucharest, where they earned their Bachelor's Degree. They later pursued a Master's Degree in Applied Theatre and Society at the Mozarteum University Salzburg, graduating in 2023. Since 2018, Cat has been the founder and artistic director of the QUEERDOS Kollektiv in Berlin. Their work focuses on community building, somatic art therapy, and generative theatre methodology. They are particularly dedicated to amplifying Romani and LGBTQIA+ narratives and empowering individuals and communities through embodied artistic practices.
Their main work topics are centered around gender-based violence, abuse, trans/homophobia, racism, and xenophobia.
In 2024 Cat has been awarded the GenDivers Preis from the Mozarteum University and the Bertha Foundation's Artivism Award (together with DePART Collective)
They have collaborated with institutions|events in:
Bucharest, RO
- National Theatre: "Napasta" (2012)
- Odeon Theatre: "Equus" (2012)
- Nottara Theatre "Equus" (2012)
- Apollo 111 The Sultry Bitch Theory (2024)
- Rezidența9
Glasgow, SCO
- The Glasgow Biennale: "The French Mistake." (2015)
Dortmund, DE
- Schauspielhaus Dortmund (2023)
- Djelem Djelem Festival: Participated in editions IX, X (2023-2024)
Berlin, DE 2014 - 2024
- Volksbühne
- Deutsches Theater
- Maxim Gorki Theater
- ERIAC
- The English Theater
- Kantine Berghain
- Ballhaus Naunynstrasse
- The Ballery
- Brotfabrik
- Schinkel Pavillion
Prague, CZ 2021-2022
- The Prague Biennale
- MeetFactory
- Artivist Lab Gallery
- Tranzit.cz
- Open Out Festival
- Kunstakademiet - UiT
Vienna, AT 2020-2024
- Queer Museum Wien
- E-BISTARDE Festival
- WIENWOCHE 2024
Ljubljana, SLO 2024
- Škuc Gallery
- Kino Šiška
Budapest, HU 2023
- Budapest Galeria
