Beke László (szerk.): Instruktiv + Inter + Konkret. Művészet Malom Szentendre, 21. November - 26. Januar 2015 (Sankt Augustin, 2014)
1. Vorwort WOW
Introduction The triangle of technology, innovation and society is among the central fields of action in our modern world. Innovation inevitably relies of scientific-technological advancements. These advancements do not automatically lead to successful innovation. Whether or not certain technologies contribute to solving social problems also depends on the systemic interaction of technologies and social aspects. This model of society - innovation - means the power to allow for new thoughts, promoting ideas and introducing contemporary reformations and improvements to existing systems. This seems to generate success. Is this all we humans require? What does social value then consist of? It is apparent that the means for promoting social developments are primarily implemented in cases where economic growth is the main focus. Immaterial innovation, i.e. the education of humans towards becoming autonomous beings with an open attitude, respect and dignity, is not sufficiently considered and promoted by any means. Within the context of human concepts of value, the concept of innovation is thus lagging very far behind the changing social values. Thus, the way is paved towards a dejected, spiritless mass of mental and internal emptiness. Addressing, preventing and counteracting this, is one of the tasks of art and the work of visual artists. Artists' networks have a long tradition in the history of art. Artists who have the desire to form groups, to effect a social burst of innovation through their ideas and their thoughts about their work, need to create networks in order to create synergy. With this exhibition, we as artists are moving within the terrain of traditional thought with strong mental roots in constructivism, concrete art and adjacent artistic developments. This exhibition brings together colleagues who all display similarities as regards their respect and appreciation for one another. What links all of us is the question of how much value our society attributes to the innovative in art. All of us have found our own way of articulating ourselves and of getting involved in social events through our work. The constant underfunding is an indication of society's inadequate valuation of art. Through the different contributions of the individuals in this group, a synergetic effect is created and together we achieve more when it comes to the perception in society. Taking thoughts further is a remarkable part of liberation culture - in this sense, I hope that the network that is to be formed will continue taking shape, allowing its participants to act in a spirited way in a prospering society. New revelations in art and culture, artistic solutions and artistic creativity also contribute to society's need for innovation. That is what we stand for. Heinz Kasper, curator 15
