Sustainable Identities: A Thought-Provoking Installation at the Venice Biennale

An Exploration of Global Issues and Identity

Szilárd Cseke and Kinga German's installation, "Sustainable Identities," captivated visitors at the 56th Venice Biennale with its thought-provoking exploration of global issues and identity. Through a combination of found and recycled objects, the installation alluded to sustainability and brought questions of identity into collision with themes of migration.

Szilárd Cseke's installation, "Sustainable Identities," represented Hungary at the Biennale di Venezia from May to November 2015. The installation aimed to investigate global issues and provoke contemplation on questions of identity. By combining found and recycled objects, Cseke alluded to sustainability and the importance of collective and individual identity formations.

The centerpiece of the installation was a series of seven translucent tubes filled with white balls that continuously moved back and forth. This mesmerizing visual representation drew attention to the complexities of collective and individual identity formation. Additionally, a pillow-like foil cushion added an element of tactile interaction, inviting visitors to engage with the installation on a personal level.

The inner courtyard of the exhibition was designed as an interactive space, encouraging visitors to write, draw, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on identity formations and sustainability. This participatory element created a sense of ownership and engagement among the visitors, making the installation a truly immersive experience.

The project received overwhelming positive feedback from the more than 502,000 visitors who experienced it. The combination of thought-provoking visuals, interactive elements, and the underlying themes of identity and sustainability resonated deeply with the audience.

Szilárd Cseke and Kinga German's "Sustainable Identities" installation was not only a powerful artistic statement, but also a testament to the potential of art to spark meaningful conversations and reflections on pressing global issues. By seamlessly blending art, design, and innovation, the installation left a lasting impact on all who encountered it.

Images: Kinga German, Szilárd Cseke, and Mihály Lukács

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to the artists, the curator, and the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art Budapest.

Awards and Accolades: "Sustainable Identities" was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2016. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Kinga German
Image Credits: All images are made by Kinga German, Szilárd Cseke and Mihály Lukács.
Project Team Members: Kinga German- exhibition curator Szilárd Cseke- all artworks Mihály Lukács- Art video Ábris Gryllus-Sound Installation Tamás Fogarasy- Catalogue Design Eliza Mikus, Zoltán Fehér and POSSIBLE- Web application Szilárd Cseke, Attila Cosovan, Tamás Fogarasy- Architecture Design Szilárd Cseke, Dénes Sátor, Benedek Gulyás, Hajnalka Illés, Gita Elek, András Fakó, Eliza Mikus, Brigitta Nachtmann, Zoltán Fehér, Márton Budai, Boglárka Mázsi and Kinga German- Modelling Conception, Inner Courtyard and art education objects.
Project Name: Sustainable Identities
Project Client: Kinga German


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