Fazekas Valéria (Budapest, 1982)
which through the pattern simply draws the elastic forms into space; sometimes symmetry, sometimes the lack of symmetry organizes them into composition. She is interested first of all in the logical connection between the individual elements of plasticity, the lively continuity of forms which rely on one another and the layeredness and transparency, but at the same time the research and creation of mobility, accidentalness and casualness. Her hat-sculptures appear modest, as well as generous, hardly noticeable and cockily haughty; at the bottom of their nature they do, indeed, combine these qualities. Sometimes the artist conceals the austere geometry with silkthreads, discs of felt and pieces of tulle: she covers the carefully balanced forms with the lively swarming of freely proliferating vegetation. The nicest pieces teasingly confess their dual nature to both the spectators and the wearers of the hats. Geometry and nature are combined harmoniously here, imbuing each other mysteriously; it is hardly a coincidence that some of the designs resemble flowers and shells, while others remind us of plasticity swiftly wavering between closeness and openness. Although Valéria Fazekas graduated from the Academy of Applied Arts as a designer, her mentality gradually drove her closer to sculpture. For long years, she has been demonstrating courage and prejudice in balancing along the thin line that separates applied art from fine art. This is a balancing act, which definitely callsfor our raising the hat. (Or should we say, putting on the hat-sculpture?) Márta Kovalovszky