Cortex
Students of Intermédia Studio (FAMU)
opening: 16. 11. 2023 from 6 PM
17. 11. – 10. 12. 2023
artists: Zuzanna Bielicka, Mercer Breitenbach,
Anna Černická, Hsin Yi Chiu, Eliška Klimešová,
Villads Rex Kneiding, Mike Ma, Kristýna Mikulková,
Helen Mountaniol, Jakub Pavlík, Natálie Pešková,
Iriina Degtereva, Flore Rigoigne, Tereza Šimoníková
curators: Štěpánka Šimlová, Jiří Procházka
We associate the word cortex primarily with the function of the grey cells of the brain, but it is a type of tissue found around the organs of all animals, in parts of the structures of plant organisms and in geological formations where organic matter permeates inorganic matter.
The idea of the cortex and all its forms was the structural basis for this exhibition project. The authors worked in close connection, using the dynamics of creating a commonality from each of the authors’ individual input. At the same time, the authors present the exhibition as a concept of a living organism that will change throughout the exhibition, responding to the meanings, connections, atmosphere and events that will occur over the course of the exhibition.
Simultaneously, this exhibition project aims to work with the exhibition/gallery as a safe place that is open to all. Spontaneous and planned performances, conversations, discussions, and small workshops will originate during the exhibition, reflecting ideas about the role of the artist in contemporary society.
The aim is to create a colourful and transforming unit, where all ideas should resound with varying intensity in mutual, as well as surrounding harmony. Thus, the visitors may encounter an intuitive mural by Mercer Breitenbach, a reflection on the tools of positive motivation along with fragile objects among the trash by Villads Rex, or a "border" tapestry by Helen Mountaniol, whose current theme is mental health. Irina Degtereva uses the medium of performance to communicate the current political situation influenced by war, drawing attention to the fragile position of students as 'representatives' of their countries. Anna Cernicka presents her sensitive work with objects and installations made from natural materials. Zuzanna Bielicka materializes the legacy of her experiences in the Catholic Church in a dreamlike style. Jakub Pavlik translates two-dimensional images into space and draws attention to possible connections, and Natalie Pešková enters the field of ethics and the removal of the taboo in the erotic industry. Mike Ma deals with the movement of viewers and participants in a specific space. Eliška Klimešová looks after the engagement of participants and connecting the individual works and complementary themes of the program. Flore Rigoigne presents her intuitive paintings, which she is constantly working on during the exhibition. Hsin Yi Chiu uses non-traditional materials for her delicate installations, as does Kristýna Mikulková, who uses organic motifs made from details of nature.
Furthermore, the artists present their works - collaborative paintings, prints, drawings, and objects created while working together, which are subject to constant change.
Accompanying programs to the Cortex exhibition in the Jeleni Gallery
- 23. 11. 2023 from 4 PM: Kacper Senkowski – a film screening and a music performance
- 25. 11. 2023 from 6 PM: Body Grounding – a workshop
- 29. 11. 2023 from 4 PM: Is FAMU no longer a safe place? – discussion – host: Michal Šimůnek
- 30. 11. 2023 from 6 PM: Taste of Shibari at Cortex – performance and workshop – host: @roperaspberry
- 7. 12. 2023 from 4 PM: Mike Ma: Performative Reading – performative reading – host: Mike Ma
- 9. 12. 2023 from 5 PM: Movie Night & Crochet & Hot Chocolate – screening and workshop – host: Viktoria Weiszová
The program of the Jeleni Gallery is possible through kind support of Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Prague City Council, State Fund of Culture of the Czech Republic, City District Prague 7,
GESTOR – The Union for the Protection of Authorship
Partners: Kostka stav
Media partners: ArtMap, artalk.cz and jlbjlt.net
