a kiss, a hat, a stamp. The start of the Artist-in-Residence Programme with an inaugural show. Hernandez uses a process of finding, assembling, creating and re-appropriating materials sourced from flea markets, antique dealerships and a specialist artisan workshop. The exhibition comprises two sculptures, two wall paintings, a collage and a room installation in collaboration with Valeria Fazekas.
Blood Mountain Foundation (BMF) is pleased to announce the start of its Artist-in-Residence
Programme with an inaugural exhibition by Diango Hernández.
Hernández’s exhibition, ‘a kiss, a hat, a stamp’, pays tribute to Budapest’s tradition of independent
creative practices and its rich culture of second-hand goods. Hernández uses a process of finding,
assembling, creating and re-appropriating materials sourced from flea markets, antique dealerships
and a specialist artisan workshop. His exhibition focuses on fragments - rather than whole objects -
and edges - as opposed to surface areas - allowing the found objects to take on new forms and new
meanings in their revised settings.
The exhibition comprises two sculptures, two wall paintings, a collage and a room installation in
collaboration with Valéria Fazekas, a key member of Hungary’s diminishing artisan community. A
poignant comment on the city’s past and present is made by positioning Fazekas’ 20 unique head
pieces in shades of grey and black on an aged bookshelf, juxtaposed with original press prints of
industry, collective sports and new architecture of the bygone Soviet era. The comment is further
emphasised by BMF’s location on an Ottoman era battleground and by its striking setting in a former
family estate designed by a prominent architect of the Hapsburg Empire.
Jade Niklai, Director of BMF, said:
“Hernández’s deep insight and understated touch bring tremendous thought and emotion to
unravelling the complex history and remarkable beauty of Budapest even for those who have known
and lived in it for a lifetime. BMF is privileged and grateful to launch its residency programme with the
participation of such a seminal artist.”
Artist’s statement:
“If the Danube runs faster, glory and sadness will also do. Tom Sloan [BMF Trustee] showed the
Budapest we want to remember and we will not forget, Jade Niklai introduced me to the mysterious
hats of Valéria Fazekas and now, after three weeks of a very intimate research through Budapest’s
antique and furniture dealers, empty streets and wonderfully arranged storage rooms, I am delighted
that Blood Mountain Foundation is opening ‘a kiss, a hat, a stamp’.
Blood Mountain Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to generating fresh discourse
about contemporary culture and current affairs. Based in Budapest (Hungary), it seeks inspiration from
the city’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage and provides opportunities for exchange between
local and international art practitioners and the broader community through curatorial and education
programmes, residencies and special projects.
The Artist-in-Residence Programme offers up to four emerging to mid-career international artists
the opportunity to live and work in Budapest for four-to-eight week periods each year. They are
encouraged to engage with all aspects of the city and to develop new work inspired by their
experiences.
Hernández’s public talk is scheduled for Tuesday 18 January 2011, 6 to 7pm (free, booking essential).
All artworks were conceived during the residency at BMF in November 2010.
Image: a kiss, a hat, a stamp, 2010 (detail)
Blood Mountain Foundation
Vérhalom utca 27/c, Budapest 1025, Hungary
Opening Hours: By appointment only