Lontscape Ukemi

The exhibition shows different options of tradition understanding in contemporary art. The topic of folk culture is perceived circumspectly in the central European context in the view of fact that it can be abused by national ideology. Nevertheless, movement illustrates completely new perspective options on the current art scene. As an example, social participation projects, performative projects or new media take into consideration elements which are not traditionally connected to folk culture. The emphasis is put on social, environmental or spiritual aspects whose form is generally understandable even in a globalized context. The requirement of ethnographic authenticity was proven to be one of the modernistic myths about subaltern species in the country. A completely new point of view to locality and traditions has been open due to the fall of artistic folklorisms. These traditions and locations can become an environmental space, in which community, spiritual and even practically functional connections may be built. Connections which are similar to a network in ecosystems. The reference to the folklore culture can be spotted in different fields - from architecture and community projects to a physical human being connected to work or art. It is the opposite to escaping to the past. Digitalisation showed new possibilities in a globalised human experience. Part of it could be a critique on the existence of some traditions, or of the ways ideas about folklore are transposed into mass culture and aesthetics.

The aim of this exhibition is to demonstrate some of these principles. Daniela Baráčková, Lucie Králíková and Pavel Jestřáb, as well as the author of this text, have created several artworks specially designed for this exhibition. A space where every individual piece of art can complement and enhance each other despite their dissimilarity. The conception of every part simulates the traditional functions of three essential rooms of a country house.

Miroslav Maixner