Conflict: Perspectives, Positions, Realities in Central European Art

Slought is pleased to present "Conflict: Perspectives, Positions, Realities in Central European Art," from November 4-December 31, 2005. This exhibition features the work of artists Marina Abramovic, Braco Dimitrijevic, Nebojsa Seric Soba, Michael Milunovic, Danica Dakic, Maya Bajevic, László Révész, Pincehelyi Sándor, Sejla Kameric, Eric Binder, and Denica Lehocka, and has been curated by Lorand Hegyi, Director of Le Musée d'art moderne de Saint-Etienne, France. The curator and select participating artists will be present for the public reception on Friday, November 4th, 2005 from 6:30-8:30pm.

In spite of the growing interest in long forgotten and neglected parts of Europe, the contemporary culture of Central Europe remains basically unknown and to a certain degree misunderstood. Entrenched prejudices, a lack of information, and somewhat naïve illusions about the historical and political realities, as well as about the radical political changes currently taking place in the region, have until now blocked an accurate and authentic reading of the cultures of the Central European countries. This exhibition contributes to the long process of integration and understanding of contemporary art made by artists who were raised in Central Europe but have, in different ways, adopted a nomadic lifestyle whose artistic practice reconnects with their native country, but also with their new countries of residence. Our exhibition aspires to avoid any false homogenization or sense of universality, and in turn seeks to reflect and accept the historically inflected diversity which makes these particular works worthy of our renewed attention. We can find heterogeneity in the language and pluralism of the aesthetic strategies featured in this exhibition, which in turn reflects the different historical, political, and cultural contexts of the region.

Slought and The French Institute for Culture and Technology at the University of Pennsylvania are also pleased to present a lecture by Lorand Hegyi on Thursday, February 17, 2005 from 6:30-8:00pm in Bodek Lounge in Houston Hall at the University of Pennsylvania. His talk, entitled "Museum Politics in France and the New European Art Scene," will inform and complement the subsequent exhibition.