Shows

Go

In her performances, Isabella Fürnkäs explores questions of physical intimacy, digital relationality, and the fragility of social communication structures. Born in Japan, the artist frequently draws on elements, themes, and motifs from Japanese culture to examine her identity and the notion of belonging.

The performance Go is inspired by the traditional board game of the same name, which is widely popular in Japan. In this piece, black and white ceramic spheres are continuously moved and repositioned within the space—an expanded playing field. The two colors exist in competition with one another, mirroring the bodies in action as they struggle over a seemingly defined territory. This confrontation is not only about power and domination but also about the fragility of boundaries, which must constantly be renegotiated—both socially and culturally.

Remote control

In her series Remote control, Isabella Fürnkäs playfully reflects on the relationship between humans and technology. She imbues the typically sleek and functional design of remote controls with an unexpected sense of individuality. Crafted from clay, these objects vary in shape and expression—some adorned with decorated buttons, gleaming beads, or unusual details that make them appear almost as if they are wearing jewelry.

Each Remote control seems to develop its own personality—at times quirky, playful, or even elegant—challenging the notions of control and detachment that these devices conventionally represent. Their bulky, unrefined materiality contrasts with the polished aesthetics of high-end technology, exposing the illusion of power that such objects convey. In their imperfection and idiosyncrasy, these Remotes reflect the human desire for individuality in an increasingly standardized and mechanized world.

Unpredictable Liars

In Unpredictable Liars, Isabella Fürnkäs explores the fragmentation of identity and the question of authenticity in a consumer-driven society. Inspired by Japanese Nō theater, her sculptural figures are draped in layers of clothing and epoxy resin, appearing like ghostly remnants of a utopian vision. These transhuman beings are detached from both human identity and any social role, existing in a space beyond conventional categorization.

Through the layering of traditional symbols and contemporary consumerist markers, the work raises questions about how we position ourselves in a world increasingly shaped by surfaces and images. It reflects on the dissonance and loss of meaning that accompany the constant performance of identity—both in the physical and digital realms.

About the Exhibition

The first edition of IMPULSE, a special format of the strike ––––a pose festival, explores the relationship between textiles and identity with the exhibition Changing Threads. Featuring nine artistic positions, the show examines the (sub)cultural, political, and social significance of fabrics, patterns, garments, and mediated images. These themes are further expanded through a diverse accompanying program.

Textiles are more than just materials—they are carriers of stories, values, and symbols. They reference traditions, histories of resistance and belonging, social roles, and cultural codes. Changing Threads traces the journey from thread to finished garment, addressing contemporary discourses on sustainability, decolonization, digitalization, and cultural identity.

- Texts by Bianca Quasebarth