The Sweet Illusion of the Economy of Power

April 24 – May 31, 2015

Participating artist:Gerardo Nolasco

The Sweet Illusion of the Economy of Poweris a piece of Gerardo Nolasco’s Bestiarum Vocarium series, a sound installation or a simple public intervention; the loud speakers of the fountain on the Margit Island, between the usual soundtracks, plays voices of crocodiles.

The virtual presence of crocodiles refers to an imaginary creature, Thomas Hobbs’ Leviathan. The Leviathan in Hobbes’ book (a Biblical sea monster, crocodile or large snake) is the metaphor of power and its manifestation is the emperor leading the state. The construction of the state is a common interest of all but implies the give-up of certain rights and obligations with the force of their accomplishment.

What happens if the state becomes perverted? When the power, with its thriven body, sees, controls and dominates all? If power becomes capable to force itscitizens upon its truth, who might not even notice the manipulation and formulate their opinion following it; thus might become ones (due to William Blake’s Marriage of Heaven and Hell), who are not able to change their mindsets. “The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, & breeds reptilesof the mind.”

Curator: Lívia Rózsás

Venue: Margit Island, fountain (Budapest)