In limbo Q&A I Bence Fazakas
- OFF SPACE Odorhei
- Oct 26, 2024
- 3 min read
1. Briefly introduce yourself: what are the things you like to do, what is important in your life?
If I had to describe myself in three words, I would say photography, sport and music. If I could say two more, it would be cats and cooking. Coming from this and answering the question, I really like photography, maybe because through it I can express myself in the best way. I really believe in creating something lasting, be it functional or aesthetic. I always try to keep myself close to nature, I like hiking, camping, skiing, cycling, I love the sea, flowers, and the sun.
2. What does photography mean to you?
As I mentioned in my previous answer, photography is probably the only way for me to express myself, my ideas, and my personality. For me, photography is very broadly analogue photography, as I think it is the most natural and pure way of taking pictures. Generally speaking, film photography is subjective and digital is objective. Because digital cameras now give us incredibly sharp and surreally detailed images, we get a sort of lifelike end result; clinical and perfect. This is all cool, but I think that's why the medium doesn't leave enough interpretation to the creator, it tends to be more about objectivity. Analogue photography, on the other hand, is more experimental because it's not nearly as perfect. You have the film grain, the halations, the light reflections, the unique colours that shape the photograph into a memory-like end result that is subjective and fragile.
3. What or who inspires you in your own creative work?
The source of inspiration, denoted as the "what," comes from my immediate environment and from the exploration of innovative manifestations within the medium. I derive various inquiries and challenges from my personal milieu, addressing them through a personal photographic approach.
As for the "who", it mainly includes my contemporaries and acquaintances of a similar age. Fortunately, I am surrounded by photographers and artists whose work provides me a constant source of inspiration. If I had to pick one, it would probably be Tamás Hadnagy as the photographer who has had the most significant influence on my creative process.
4. What was the last topic you dealt with?
The actual topic I'm working on is a subjectively motivated view of the city, in which I recall my childhood view of Cristuru Secuiesc through the medium of photography. In the series I photographed special places and spaces that were mysterious to my childhood self, which, after many years of seeing them again, made me ask questions. These photographs are a kind of commemoration and documentation of an industrial town, where the communist brutality that swept through is slowly disappearing.
5. In your opinion, does Odorheiu Secuiesc need associations/communities that support contemporary art activities?
Absolutely yes! It would be very important to have such associations or communities, as they can give a voice, space and opportunity to these artists, whether by organising events, solo exhibitions, scholarships, etc.
6. What does it mean to you to be an artist from Odorheiu Secuiesc or its surroundings?
To have a voice, to contribute to the community and artistic scene. But most of all, to belong, to explore/address local issues.
7. What opportunities do you see in Off Space's initiatives and how does the association differ from similar organisations/initiatives in Odorheiu Secuiesc?
Off Space is unique and different from anything else in Odorheiu, it is different from the usual art initiatives, more personal, more friendly and not so conventional and snobbish. New things are good, especially in art context, and I think Off Space approaches things differently, puts different things in the spotlight. Not to mention that the association gives a voice, a space, attention to young artists who haven't had that opportunity before.
8. What would you change in Odorheiu Secuiesc from an artistic point of view?
Maybe it is to have more consistency. Let's not make art in Odorheiu Secuiesc depend on age, education, position, political views, etc. Let's somehow keep together as much as possible; let's have discussions, collabs, exhibitions!
9. What are your plans for the future?
Well, I can't say that right now, but one thing is for sure: I'm not putting the camera down!
