Sarah Adnanová is a woman who connects worlds – from the Indonesian dances of her childhood to the Prague techno scene and curatorial work at DSC Gallery. Her life moves between the rhythm of music, visual art, and her own intuition, which leads her to discover new creators. Temperamental, positive, and communicative – Sára brings authenticity and energy to art and life that is fresh and captivating. She embodies the scent of Helenist – a fresh and sparkling presence that is constantly transforming.
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself to us at the beginning? How would you describe your path to art and curatorship?
My name is Sarah Adnanová. I come from Prague, from the Červený vrch housing estate. Thanks to my partial Indonesian origin and the traditional dances I have been performing since childhood, I have always had a feeling for culture and art. In my adolescence, I was happy to take other opportunities to explore other cultural sectors, and that's how I got to the Ankali club via the Transforma Festival, and there I met artists with whom I subsequently started preparing exhibitions.
2. How would you describe yourself in three words to people who don't know you yet?
Temperamental – Positive – Communicative
3. You are known for having an excellent sense for young and underground artists. How do you know when someone truly has potential?
It's a combination of several aspects, but it definitely has to arouse my curiosity about how the work will progress. To radiate authentic energy and freshness. Established artists have been proven by time. With younger artists, I rely on my intuition.
4. DSC Gallery is associated with big names, but you also follow subcultures and the young scene. How do you perceive this connection?
I joined DSC Gallery practically simultaneously with finishing my diploma thesis. You won't find such expertise in the Czech art market as the commercial DSC Gallery in Prague. This job pushes me a lot in this direction. At the same time, I do not give up my independent curatorial projects. Without that, I wouldn't be happy in my current life; it's my form of creative expression. My position as a curator lies somewhere between these two worlds.
5. Art is not just work for you, but a lifestyle – you're also involved in the techno scene. Does music influence your curatorial perspective?
The club techno scene, including the people in it, is of great importance to me and has given birth to many exhibition projects. However, music in general holds a significant place in my life, and not just electronic music. Few people know that I am also a fan of classical music. At the same time, I still pursue traditional dances from Southeast Asia, so I also have a connection to folk music. As you say, it's a lifestyle. Just like visual art, musical art can be perceived at every step, or you can completely close yourself off to it.
6. Which sense is most important to you and why?
I think we are in a time when we are constantly looking for ways to prepare a more and more immersive experience for the viewer, even in exhibitions. Today, it is no longer a complete novelty to bring a significant olfactory element into an exhibition. In the end, however, I must say that sight is the most important sense for me. I always succumb to a saturated sunset on the sea horizon when there is a chance. Yes, it's a cliché, but I personally wouldn't disdain this in particular.
7. When you go back to your childhood - what smell comes to mind first?
The pigsty that we could smell at our cottage. But also grandma's cakes. From the housing estate, I remember how the dust from the streets smelled in the air in the summer.
8. If you were to describe your work and curatorial perspective with a scent, what would it be like?
Probably something exotic, but subtle, a little spicy. I think this character suits me in every way.
9. What does beauty mean to you - in art and in life?
Beauty in all aspects is defined in me by a wave of pleasant energy. A caress. The desire to look further, for as long as possible.
10. What is your personal vision for the future? What would you like to push, discover, or develop - in art and beyond?
Overall, when preparing artistic projects, I enjoy unexpected collaborations and installations in unusual places, and I also love to travel. I am curious to see where the combination of the mentioned will take me next.