Finally caught up with Andrea to discuss her new curating endeavor, future projects, and life in general.
So, if you can, remind us where you are in terms of your studies? I think you told me last you were working on your thesis, yes?
That is right, I was about to finish my studies. I graduated from the Hungarian University of Fine Arts in the Faculty of Graphic Arts as a printmaker, although my final work was an ‘environment’ – small clay objects placed sparsely, in one of the empty ateliers of the university’s main building. My intent with this was not just to create a piece of artwork but an entire experience.
You have really delved into sculpting, as with your clay landscapes from your time in Spain. Is this still your area of focus, and what are you working on now- if different than your thesis work?
I found my interest and place in the artistic practice with my diploma work which, theoretically speaking, originated from a very compound phenomena. It was intended to articulate the existential crisis between human and its conceptional environment – cultural, ecological, and psychological respectively. For example, if we consider landscape as a notion , it can evoke memories, scientific facts, and awareness of the ecological problems we face. It has a long tradition in art as well, superhumanic and sublime or used as a personal metaphor - just to name a few.
My approach is not critical or particular in any aspect. I am aspiring to be self-reflective eventually, through the commonsense of the era. I am now in a contemplative phase, which is important to come up with concentrated thoughts. I have been traveling in the past month, and I prefer to spend more time on my own in the following times. It is going to be a fruitful self-gathering I believe.
Also, I have been always leading a kind of personal journal. It takes the vital part of my artistic practice these days, shaping the theoretical background for upcoming works.
That is right, I was about to finish my studies. I graduated from the Hungarian University of Fine Arts in the Faculty of Graphic Arts as a printmaker, although my final work was an ‘environment’ – small clay objects placed sparsely, in one of the empty ateliers of the university’s main building. My intent with this was not just to create a piece of artwork but an entire experience.
You have really delved into sculpting, as with your clay landscapes from your time in Spain. Is this still your area of focus, and what are you working on now- if different than your thesis work?
I found my interest and place in the artistic practice with my diploma work which, theoretically speaking, originated from a very compound phenomena. It was intended to articulate the existential crisis between human and its conceptional environment – cultural, ecological, and psychological respectively. For example, if we consider landscape as a notion , it can evoke memories, scientific facts, and awareness of the ecological problems we face. It has a long tradition in art as well, superhumanic and sublime or used as a personal metaphor - just to name a few.
My approach is not critical or particular in any aspect. I am aspiring to be self-reflective eventually, through the commonsense of the era. I am now in a contemplative phase, which is important to come up with concentrated thoughts. I have been traveling in the past month, and I prefer to spend more time on my own in the following times. It is going to be a fruitful self-gathering I believe.
Also, I have been always leading a kind of personal journal. It takes the vital part of my artistic practice these days, shaping the theoretical background for upcoming works.
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What is it about clay that makes you feel it is the best vehicle for your artistic expression?
Clay is something that I am going to use more, but not exclusively. At first it was like a toy, a reminder of my infantile, primer attitude to creation. Also, it was very useful to create surfaces resembling the method of printmaking - the soft clay is easy to shape and suitable for pressing multiplied patterns on it. I have found it adequate because of certain physical characters, let’s say and a transition zone between surficial and spatial media. Also it has a long historical background in architecture and industrial art as an additive cultural reference.
You also have started curating exhibits for Kelet Kávézó és Galéria here in Budapest. How do you like being a curator, choosing among local talent here?
It is a very interesting experience, kind of an in-between traineeship for me to see how management works. What I really enjoy about it, is that I can give chance to talented young artists I know, proposing an initial step, in an intimate but culturally important spot. Cafés and public places in general are gaining space for artistic endeavor, and Kelet joins this chain on Bartók Béla Avenue which is significant for its presence in the art life of Budapest.
You just exhibited Ronga Eszter’s “Picnic” series, the fourth exhibit for you at Kelet. What/Who’s next?
This spring, the exposition of Viktorina Csengeri will open the season with her illustrative, surrealistic works.
Clay is something that I am going to use more, but not exclusively. At first it was like a toy, a reminder of my infantile, primer attitude to creation. Also, it was very useful to create surfaces resembling the method of printmaking - the soft clay is easy to shape and suitable for pressing multiplied patterns on it. I have found it adequate because of certain physical characters, let’s say and a transition zone between surficial and spatial media. Also it has a long historical background in architecture and industrial art as an additive cultural reference.
You also have started curating exhibits for Kelet Kávézó és Galéria here in Budapest. How do you like being a curator, choosing among local talent here?
It is a very interesting experience, kind of an in-between traineeship for me to see how management works. What I really enjoy about it, is that I can give chance to talented young artists I know, proposing an initial step, in an intimate but culturally important spot. Cafés and public places in general are gaining space for artistic endeavor, and Kelet joins this chain on Bartók Béla Avenue which is significant for its presence in the art life of Budapest.
You just exhibited Ronga Eszter’s “Picnic” series, the fourth exhibit for you at Kelet. What/Who’s next?
This spring, the exposition of Viktorina Csengeri will open the season with her illustrative, surrealistic works.
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Who is your favorite Hungarian artist (perhaps both past and present if you have one for both)?
I always have someone else in the focus of my interest, mostly in conclusion of a recent exhibition I have come across. Probably the longest-lasting influence I got was from Péter Puklus whose works I have seen last year in the Glassyard Gallery. Another name who comes to my mind and satisfies the question in terms of both past and present, is my university master, András Lengyel. He has been keeping up a synthesis of visual and intellectual power all along his oeuvre.
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
As I have just graduated, I would like to build a stable life and leave space for art in it. I am also seeking opportunities to do research and projects abroad including other disciplines supporting what I am working on and making it more sophisticated. I have some “unfinished business” with Spanish and Japanese language as well, which leads me in those directions I assume. But you can never know.
You yourself just exhibited in Gödöllő. When is your next exhibit- of your own art?
My exhibition in Gödöllő closed in January. Ever since I am collecting ideas and not planning to exhibit soon. I prefer to be out of sight and seek a sufficient place and expose something I am quite content with. I will wait until those things get together.
Lastly, what is your favorite spot in Hungary (place to visit)?
I am from the Balaton region, so I would say the North of the lake has the perfect ambient with the hills and the Káli Basin.
As a grown-up I am residing in Budapest, and I am really into, even passionate about, walking around the city. My favorite part these days is the Palotanegyed of the VIII. District - Vas and Szentkirályi Street with beautiful buildings. And for sitting down, my all-time favorite is Lumen in Horánszky Street. As for cultural events, Palace of Arts and Fuga. I am fascinated with architecture, so I feel best in places with inspiring structure and enough space to breathe.
