As part of the closing program of the 5th edition of Autostrada Biennale, a meaningful and inspiring conversation took place at Autostrada Hangar – Center for Contemporary Art between the curator of this edition, Erzen Shkololli, and one of its participating artists, Robert Gabris.

The discussion reflected on the role of art in exploring identity, belonging, and lived experience, unfolding through Gabris’s personal story and artistic practice. Drawing from his own journey — growing up without parents, facing prejudice as a member of the Roma community, and building a life beyond Slovakia — he spoke about how resilience and empathy shape his work.

His exhibition “The Garden of Catastrophy”, presented at Shani Efendi House, provided the context for this exchange, opening questions about how art can reveal social realities while remaining deeply personal. The conversation left a lasting impression, marked by honesty, reflection, and a shared understanding that art connects us through the complexity of human experience.

Photo: Tughan Anit