Concept: János Sugár

Within the framework of the OFF-Biennále, it became possible to realize János Sugár’s plan Fire in the Museum, which had failed in 2010, as part of the Check Your Head program series. The continuously maintained fire is a symbolic, community-building project of the OFF-Biennále, held for the first time this year. Volunteers from both the professional community that created OFF and from the audience keep the fire alive throughout the duration of the biennial, allowing it to become a symbol—and at the same time a shaper—of collective thinking, conversation, and joint action.

On April 24, 2015, at one of the OFF-Biennále venues, the Rombusz Terrace on Ráday Street, a small campfire with a flame height of approximately 50 cm was lit on the opening day of the biennial. Around it were chairs, armchairs, and mattresses. Independently of the visitors, volunteers guard the fire day and night for nearly 40 days. As long as the OFF-Biennále lasts, the fire burns. The prepared firewood can be used to feed the fire, but personal papers may also be burned, or one may simply sit in a chair and watch the flames.

The fire must be guarded 24 hours a day. Watching the fire means active presence: the only task is to supervise it—feed it and not let it go out. Beyond that, anything is allowed, from warming up and socializing to roasting bacon.