translated and summarized by: Liz Wollner-Grandville,
220908: Startgalerie im Museum auf Abruf: Kosta Tonev – Constants are changing
Startgalerie im Museum auf Abruf: Kosta Tonev – Constants are changing
A name as a work of art
Warhol or Beuys, just like other “stars” of the 20th Century, made it clear that art always has something to do with self-dramatization.
The young Bulgarian artist Kosta Tonev, who lives in Vienna, deals with this phenomenon in his exhibit at the Startgalerie. His own name, and the misunderstanding that many people think he is Spanish, become a subject of discussion, thereby subtly showing how, in the art world, a name can function like a trademark.
The individual works are not as convincing as the subtle allusion to his signature stroke “Costa”, which is prominently positioned on the white wall and reminds of Picasso’s signature. The first superstar of art is quoted as a label, and the fact that Picasso “also” is a Spaniard, perfects the intended allusion.
In a short video you can watch the artist transforming the spelling of his first name “Kosta” into “Costa”. It is correct to write Kosta with a “K”, but apparently Austrians expect this name, which is pronounced very much like the Spanish word for “coast”, to be written with a “C”. Expectations are fulfilled and the name itself is transformed into a work of art. The name is no longer randomly chosen by others, but is subject to the artist's design concept.
The exhibit succeeds in developing a lasting picture: that of a young man, who knows how to capture the attention of the audience - simply with his own person and his name. In an era of absolute sensory overload, this is the key to success
Startgalerie im Museum auf Abruf
1010 Vienna, Felderstrasse 6 – 8, next to the town hall, until 03. 10. 2008
www.musa.at
220908
Startgalerie im MUSA xx
1010 Wien, Felderstraße 6-8
Tel: +43 1 4000-8400, Fax: +43 1 4000-99-8400
Email: musa@musa.at
http://www.musa.at/
Öffnungszeiten: Di, Mi, Fr 11-18, Do 11-20, Sa 11-16 h
Startgalerie im MUSA xx
1010 Wien, Felderstraße 6-8
Tel: +43 1 4000-8400, Fax: +43 1 4000-99-8400
Email: musa@musa.at
http://www.musa.at/
Öffnungszeiten: Di, Mi, Fr 11-18, Do 11-20, Sa 11-16 h