As much as we would like to believe otherwise, pressure and stress are an integral part of contemporary life. Pavol Truben, the artist behind the installation “Under Pressure”, offers us a new perspective on this reality through his work. The Slovak artist divides his time into three main roles: artist, designer and drawing teacher in Bratislava. He started thinking about this installation three years ago, at a time when he felt overwhelmed by the pressures of his artistic career.
In recent years, I have felt increasing pressure due to the multitude of tasks and responsibilities I have had, which inspired me to create this installation. “Under Pressure” is essentially a mirror of my inner struggle with exhaustion and the search for balance, says the artist.
The installation combines two elements: iron bodies and balloon-like heads. Both the materials chosen and the subject matter create a strong contrast. The iron bodies, representing people practicing yoga, reflect the growing trend of people moving towards a healthy, physically active life in particular. At the other end of the spectrum, soft heads, like balloons, symbolize depression, mental pressure and exhaustion, shifting the focus to mental health.
Although the original idea was simple, the technical implementation was a real challenge – how to make the figures bend, how to put the cables in the head area. From sketch to first public appearance there were 9 months. Looking back, however, I realize that this installation helped me start a process I needed. Working on it, I had to get out of the house, meet others, it was invigorating, I needed that. Then I was able to put other aspects of my life in order.
The artwork has only been exhibited in European countries so far, and audiences immediately connected with its message. In every country, every city, people immediately recognized the sense of exhaustion and pressure illustrated by Pavol’s work, and he was happy to see that his work encoded a universal language.
Regarding the influence of Slovak history and culture on his work, Pavol notes that although “Under Pressure” has no direct political underpinnings, many of his works are influenced by Slovakia’s post-communist context. His childhood experiences, marked by the transition from communism to democracy, significantly shaped his perspective on society and art.
As he looks to the future, he is excited about his new projects, one of which involves a continuation of the “Under Pressure” concept, but with a more fragile interpretation of the figures, the heads being made of glass. In addition, he wants to explore other themes related to the polarization of society and cultural diversity. However, whatever project he works on, Pavol’s desire to connect with audiences in public spaces, in unconventional places, remains a constant.
We invite you to meet him. He is coming to Timisoara with his installation from 29 September to 8 October.
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This project is part of the national cultural program “Timișoara – European Capital of Culture in 2023” and is financed through the Grow Timișoara 2023 program, carried out by the Project Center of Timișoara Municipality, with funds allocated from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Culture.
The Night-Art Festival is presented by George, the first smart banking.
Sponsors: Fan Courier, Iulius Town, ATP Motors, Pepsi
Project partners: Leeds City Council, In-Edu Association Timișoara, German Cultural Center Timișoara, Cluj Cultural Center, West University Timișoara, University of Art and Design Cluj-Napoca, Polytechnic University of Timișoara
Communication partners: Getica OOH, Aushopping galleries, Kiss Fm, Euromedia, Pressone.ro, G4Media.ro, World Wide Print, Daisler Print House, Știri din România, Tion, Express de Banat, IQOOL, Zile și Nopți, Știri de Timișoara, NewsVest, Adevărul, TVR, Radio Timișoara, România Pozitivă, Best of Timișoara