For its third presentation at Wilhelm Hallen, Art Collection Telekom shows two works by Polish artist Iza Tarasewicz (*1981) and a wall painting by Bulgarian artist Nedko Solakov (*1957).
In ancient Greece, the concept of the "arena" extended beyond physical spaces, symbolizing a realm of intellectual and cultural exploration. Arenas were not only places for athletic competitions and theatrical performances but also central venues for the exchange of ideas and philosophical debates. The Greek Agora—an arena of daily life—allowed people to explore different perspectives and challenge existing norms. Thus, the arena became a metaphor for the pursuit of understanding and the continuous quest for exploration and knowledge of the world. Similarly, 'Arena I,' a 50-meter-long, hand-crafted rope made of rubber and plant fibers by Iza Tarasewicz, creates a variable space within the space. It marks a boundary, a graphic line within the room, a defined area where actions can be taken. It serves as a temporary tool that can open up new spaces for play and thought. Additionally, it acts as a backdrop for another of Tarasewicz’s sculptures: 'Turba Turbo.' The starting point of the installation was a modernist, circular plant stand, which Iza Tarasewicz associated with the Large Hadron Collider at CERN near Geneva—a machine that accelerates elementary particles to nearly the speed of light and causes them to collide. As in many of her works, the artist combines industrial and organic materials, referencing transformations observed both in the vast universe and within the tiniest particles. Tarasewicz mimics the experimental setups of particle physicists, exploring the relationship between art and science and giving an aesthetically captivating form to a subject far removed from our everyday reality.
In contrast, Nedko Solakov's works question our daily reality with humorous, laconic drawings, sculptures, and installations. He is a gifted storyteller, whose works blend personal anecdotes with universal themes. 'The Yellow Blob Story,' for example, is a large yellow blob that serves no purpose. It is accompanied by a handwritten note stating that it was commissioned by the artist, though he can no longer remember what the reason for it might have been.
The presentation highlights two different artistic approaches, both of which aim to challenge our thinking and encourage critical reflection on the world, societal norms, and expectations.
