The thing about being experienced

Curator Kamil #2

The exhibition “The thing about being experienced” is about nature and its components. From the curatorial perspective presented, the artists Agnieszka Bielak and Michał Majdak focus on the basic element that distinguishes the world of nature: reaction to stimuli. The creators examine the sense of things, but to a lesser extent the one which we ourselves experience, and more so that which comes to objects, so as if from their point of view. We don’t know what it is. We cannot call it simply feeling or empiricism of the objects. Art, however, does not have to use words. Although, if we tried to describe states, works of Michał may feel the presence of another being and react (in defense, curiosity, sexual attraction?) by emitting light radiation, while Agnieszka’s jewellery might induce various states associated with exceeding their intimacy, the limit of touch by trembling, giving off heat, cold or moisture.

Michał Majdak on his works:

The observer’s gaze influences the condition of the object. In my works, I use this phenomenon known from the field of physical sciences, investigating the relationship between the observer and the observed. Just as the mere fact of observation affects the result of a scientific experiment, so the objects I create “know” when the viewer appears and only in his or her presence, they reveal their full potential.
The relationship between the viewer and the object is intensifying. Cognition runs not only along the materiality of the work, but also along the boundaries set by its behaviour. The composition ignites in an internal movement, the relationship intensifies to a climax and loops. The viewer can decide to end the experiment. When he or she is gone, the composition expires and loses the memory of his or her presence like a cooling object that loses temperature.

Agnieszka Bielak on her works:

The work Consists of five objects inspired by human carnality. Observation of each of them consists in its penetration. A perverse gesture of putting a finger in the centre of-the-object. The work aims to show the value and differences of each of us. lt is the viewer who decides about getting to know the object fully or just looking at the work. Who sometimes would not like to feel like someone else, but if we were someone else, wouldn’t we want to go back to our own self?
Each of the objects is made of silver and natural stones, they are also linked by various mechanisms that interact with the viewer. Exhibited on person-like humanoid forms / mannequins.

Thanks to Bogdan Grygo for the help with Arduino code.

Exhibition / 10 Dec -21 Dec 2019, Salon Academy Gallery Koneser, Praga Koneser Center, Koneser’s Square