“I wish to outline three approaches to viewing Mónika Sziládi’s photographs. The first relates to Hal Foster’s idea from the 1990’s of the artist as ethnographer. Her images of moments ‘captured’ at social events in New York are in fact meticulously constructed – by the artist as well as by her subjects – and are characterized by the highly fabricated artifice of urban life. The artist presents us with her cultural anthropological findings from this world. Her audience is both the critical observer and the subject of her work holding up a mirror to itself.
The second approach relates to a social economic idea raised by Scott Lash. Mónika Sziládi’s images show a calculated, “design conscious” world planned by its population to its most minuscule detail. Lash draws a tight correlation between design and success by pointing out that in a global culture industry the most successful countries and regions are the ones which demonstrate this kind of consciousness to maximum effect.
The third approach relates to Godot Gallery being a venue which also hosts stand-up comedy. Mónika’s images remind me of the work of Los Angeles comedian Larry David, who, in his TV show “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” takes on L.A. social life. The strength of his series lies in his ability to render his subjects’ life, expressions and problems absurd, and the source of humor for the audience comes from showing them as they are without adding anything.”