Title
CloseFollowing on from the Q&A with Paul Vivian and Rinat Kotler I am pleased to introduce Hondartza Fraga with an insight into her work, the theme and a little bit of advice for those creatives out there…enjoy!
What first interested you in the theme of FANTASTIC, FOUND and FAKE?
I was interested in the theme because I explore those subjects in my work, the reconstruction of artificial scenarios (I have been working with dollhouses) and the use of found images and objects to talk about the relations between reality and imagination, fact and fiction and our relation to images and the construction of memories.
What is the name of your piece for the festival?
Vision II (existing work) and Vision III (a new work for the festival)
If you had to describe the piece in one sentence what would it be?
A dollhouse filmed with a night-vision camera to explore the contradictions between the language of surveillance and our perceptions of inner and emotional spaces.
In your opinion, what has been the most exciting/interesting part of Conjunction 08?
I really enjoyed the use of alternative spaces, I think these were especially well curated, specially the new works developed for the festival offer a unique insight and interpretations on the theme.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I always describe myself as a visual artist, I use different mediums depending on the piece of work, I mainly use photography, video and drawing. Most of my works start from an intuitive approach and develop into a more research based work.
Who are your biggest influences?
I think I have many, but to name some artists: Thomas Demand, James Casebere, Vija Celmins, Mariele Neudecker and many of my influences come from cinema, directors like Julio Médem (Spanish) or Wim Wenders.
Had you ever visited Stoke-on-Trent prior to your involvement with Conjunction?
No, my first visit has been for the installation of the festival.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone who wanted to practice professionally as an artist?
It is really difficult to generalize in this because the approach you may take to your career will depend on your practise and your objectives. Maybe an advise would be to try to define your main goals, and be selective with the projects/competitions/galleries that you approach, as it is very tempting specially at the beginning to apply to everything, and that is not always the best or more beneficial way to get yourself known.
What’s next for you?
I got a few exhibitions coming next year (my first solo show at Pente 10 gallery in Lisbon (Portugal), and a group show at The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery at the University of Leeds). Also I have just been commissioned to produce a new work for the next Sheffield Pavilion 2009, curated by SCAF (Sheffield Contemporary Art Forum) to be launched in the biennial of Istanbul 09.
What is your ‘Must See’ of the Festival?
I think every visitor should have a walk around all the spaces as it gives a very good overall view of the festival and the how it sits in the city, but I would definitely recommend Airspace Gallery, Area 23 and the Chapel.