18 May 2020

‘Kvartirnik’ at 10xx Vienna

‘Kvartirnik’ at 10xx Vienna

Kvartirnik, from the Russian kvartira (a flat), is an acoustic concert performed in a domestic setting: an ordinary apartment. Kvartirnik can also, however, be a poetry evening or other forms of creative and intellectual exchange. Under the Soviet Union, such gatherings were important expressions of the local avant-garde scene or a way to safely pass time in an intimately confined environment. The tradition lives on.

‘Kvartirnik’ presents five artistic positions in four different locations, reconstructing one united Viennese flat. We enter the bright living room with Daniela Grabosch, where a single textile piece hangs on the door like a giant rose petal and a video quietly plays on her phone with its cold, cautious voice. We later step into the bedroom with delicate sculptures by Anna Bochkova, haphazardly occupying the small space. Then we peak in the bathroom with Natalia Gurova and go down the staircase, flying over her bright silicone sculptures. Finally, there is a backyard with works by Danielle Pamp and Siggi Sekira—to gulp a breath of fresh air like a miniature ceramic sculpture overgrown by thistles, or to imagine a familial hug.

Kvartirnik exists on its own, with objects taking the central part, longing for the communion and normal life. The last thing you see is the shabby door and the choice to leave the silent gig or go upstairs. As Joseph Brodsky wrote, ‘Don’t leave your room, just say you have the influenza/A wall and table are the most fascinating agenda.’

Siggi Sekira, 'They Said She Screamed Murder', 2020, drawing, coloured pencils on paper, 29,7x21 cm
Siggi Sekira, 'They Said She Screamed Murder', 2020, drawing, coloured pencils on paper, 29,7x21 cm (Detail view)
Danielle Pamp, 'Sister’s Embrace', 2020, painting, oil on canvas, 60x80cm (Detail view)
Danielle Pamp, 'Sister’s Embrace', 2020, painting, oil on canvas, 60x80 cm
Siggi Sekira, 'The Howl', 2018, sculpture, unglazed ceramics and thistle, approx.  22,5x6,5cmx6 cm (Detail view)
Siggi Sekira, 'The Howl', 2018, sculpture, unglazed ceramics and thistle, approx.  22,5x6,5x6 cm
Danielle Pamp, 'The Wrong Turn', 2020, painting, oil on canvas, 65x30 cm (Detail view)
Natalia Gurova, 'Keeping in touch_2', 2020, sculpture, mixed media, approx. 70х15 cm (Detail view)
Natalia Gurova, 'Keeping in touch_2', 2020, sculpture, mixed media, approx. 70х15 cm
Natalia Gurova, 'Sisyphus I', 2020, object, mixed media, approx. 12х6 cm (Detail view)
Natalia Gurova, 'Sisyphus I', 2020, object, mixed media, approx. 12х6 cm
Anna Bochkova, 'The God knows when to smile', 2020, sculpture, wire, paper, plaster 120x40x30 cm
Anna Bochkova, 'Utopia', 2020, sculpture, wire, plaster, paper, plaster, cardboard, 50x20x5 cm (Detail view)
Anna Bochkova, 'Lullaby' 2020, sculpture, wire, paper, plaster, chains, 100x40×30cm + Utopia, 2020, wire, plaster, paper, plaster, cardboard, 50x20x5 cm
Daniela Grabosch, '[SCATTERED MEMORIES OF A MOMENTARY MOVEMENT 01] [4320C ROSE VIF]', 2020, wearable object[s], cotton fabric, bronzed steel 3D Print, scent, boat rope, clothes hanger with clips, approx. 140x140 cm (3D Print: approx. 7x7 cm) (Detail view)
Daniela Grabosch, '[SCATTERED MEMORIES OF A MOMENTARY MOVEMENT 01] [4320C ROSE VIF]', 2020, wearable object[s], cotton fabric, bronzed steel 3D Print, scent, boat rope, clothes hanger with clips, approx. 140x140 cm (3D Print: approx. 7x7 cm)

Imprint

ArtistAnna Bochkova, Daniela Grabosch, Natalia Gurova, Danielle Pamp, Siggi Sekira
ExhibitionKvartirnik
Place / venue10xx Vienna
Dates1 May – 1 June 2020
Index

See also