The old Slavs called a carol the first day of the year, which was identified with the annual feast falling on the winter solstice, as well as with a New Year's gift. Both the costumes of the carolers and their behavior as well as the ritual texts sung or recited by them were characterized by clear symbolism of fertility and faith in the magical causative power of spoken words. The moment of carolling was initially associated with the New Year, which was celebrated in the spring by the pre-Christian Slavs.
The custom of going from house to house was also a carol. During caroling, a joyful New Year's song or oration was sung, which contained an element of good omen for the coming year. The main caroling monster was Turoń. He was depicted as a horned, black and hairy, snapping-mouthed animal. Turon probably derives from Aurochs (polish - Tur) - an extinct species of mammal.
After entering the hut with the group of carol singers, Turon started pranks and dances, scaring women and children, encouraged by the leading carol singer. While singing carols, Turon snapped his mouth and rang a bell hanging around his neck. At some point during these skirmishes, a particularly important element of caroling took place - Turon was falling, and then he was "revived" - massaging, setting straw under him on fire, blowing and pouring vodka into the mouth of the effigy.
After such treatments, Turon regained his strength and started to prance again, after which the performance was ended. The revival of Turon and the accompanying treatments refer to the magic rituals of the old Slavs, practiced at this time of the year during agrarian holidays. The death and then the resurrection of Turon symbolized the rebirth of the earth, which falls asleep for the winter only to wake up in the spring. 
This project consists of two large drawings, 150x300 cm each one, and a video work.
‘Turon’ was created as part of the residency program in Stary Sacz, Poland in the CKIS centre and presented at the IMO Gallery (November, 2022)