The exhibition "Stone - Paper - Landscape: Michal Kern in Dialogue with Maria Bartuszová" opened on October 10, 2024, showcasing the profound connections between the works of two significant Central European artists. The event is hosted at the Ernest Zmeták Art Gallery in Nové Zámky, Slovakia, and highlights the thematic and conceptual parallels in their artistic practices.
Both Kern (1938-1994) and Bartuszová (1936-1996) explored nature through their respective mediums—Kern through photography and drawings, and Bartuszová through her innovative sculptures. The exhibition emphasizes their introspective approaches to universal themes such as melting snow, stones, and the essence of life, creating a rich dialogue between their works.
Curated by Stano Masár, the exhibition features carefully selected pieces from various collections, including the archives of both artists. The installation itself is designed to foster a meditative space, allowing visitors to engage deeply with the artworks and the narratives they convey.
This exhibition not only honors the legacy of Kern and Bartuszová but also situates their work within the broader context of contemporary art, addressing ecological concerns and existential questions that resonate today. Their contributions to the art scene, particularly in the post-1989 era, have gained international recognition, with Bartuszová’s work recently featured in a solo exhibition at Tate Modern in London.
As the global art community continues to reflect on the environmental challenges we face, the exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the role artists play in addressing these issues through their creative expressions.