SOLANGE du dich auf das Patriarchat stützt, bin ich Feminist:in.
AS LONG AS you rely on patriarchy, I will be a feminist.
Katharina Cibulka on the Project:
“Patriarchy is a system of male dominance that is deeply embedded in our social, political, and economic structures. We are all part of it and cannot simply step outside of it. But we can start to consciously unlearn this deeply unfair system by taking new paths. When I look to the future from this Münsterplattform, I envision a world where:
- Men are in touch with their emotions, express their feelings, talk about them, and no longer channel their helplessness into fantasies of oppression and acts of violence.
- They give up some of their privileges in favor of those who have been marginalized so far.
- Women and queer people are represented in all decision-making bodies by at least 50%, because diversity and collaboration strengthen us all, whereas male dominance and competition weaken us.
There are many exciting new paths we can take beyond the patriarchal norm. With courage and civil courage, these paths become easier to walk. Let’s just do it – let’s unlearn patriarchy together!”
On March 6 – two days before International Women’s Day – Katharina Cibulka installed a 240 m² hand-embroidered scaffold net on the support wall of the Münsterplattform in Bern. The final renovation phase of the west side of the wall served as the projection surface for her striking SOLANGE artwork, which is clearly visible from the Kirchenfeld Bridge. The three-dimensional pink tulle letters measure 125 cm in height – a new record! Cibulka was invited by Frieda, the feminist peace organization, to bring the 31st installation of her international SOLANGE series to Bern.
In late November 2024, Cibulka visited Bern for the first time. Following her lectures and workshops at Käfigturm, she invited local residents to participate in the project. The response was overwhelming, covering a broad range of topics: About 130 SOLANGE phrases addressed issues such as violence against women, gender stereotypes, care work, shame, fear of assault, and the unequal distribution of power. The locally relevant injustices (which are also globally significant) are rooted in a longstanding and deeply ingrained system: patriarchy.
The SOLANGE team also wanted to highlight the structural significance of the support wall as the foundation of the installation. This combination led to the creation of the following phrase:
AS LONG AS YOU RELY ON PATRIARCHY, I WILL BE A FEMINIST.
How Patriarchy Affects Everyday Life
Patriarchal structures impact women and queer people in multiple ways. Gender-based expectations and societal norms restrict their choices and opportunities, including career paths. These structures form an often invisible yet deeply entrenched barrier. Even more alarming is the fact that women are disproportionately affected by violence – whether in the form of sexual harassment, domestic abuse, or rape. This violence is frequently a direct consequence of patriarchal power structures.
Additionally, women bear the burden of unpaid care work. The unequal division of labor disadvantages women in the workforce, limiting their career development and financial independence. The social devaluation of care work further exacerbates this issue.
Feminism as a Path to Overcoming Patriarchy
Feminism advocates for gender equality and a shift in power structures. It envisions a society where all people, regardless of gender, have equal access to rights, resources, and opportunities. Like other feminist movements, SOLANGE seeks not only to redistribute power but also to transform outdated values and norms that contribute to discrimination. At the core of this effort are the principles of diversity, solidarity, and justice.
A Future Without Patriarchy: The Opportunity for Change
A society free from patriarchal structures would not only ensure a fairer distribution of resources and power but also bring about a fundamental shift in the social and cultural norms that shape our coexistence. This includes fostering respectful and equal collaboration among all people, regardless of gender or background.
Moreover, patriarchal expectations harm men as well – particularly those who do not conform to traditional norms.
In this spirit, SOLANGE aims to spark conversation with its installation on the support wall and encourage people to see change as an opportunity for all.
Let’s go equal!
Cooperation partners:
frieda – the feminist peace organization
The artistic intervention was supported by municipal and cantonal cultural funding as well as the Burgergemeinde Bern.
Fotocredits: Katharina Cibulka, Ferdinand Cibulka
