Handmade

2012
toilet paper, wood, embroidery thread
25x40x35 cm

Since the 2010s, the use of national style elements has become fashionable in Hungary. This was both a mass cultural overuse and a state-spurred political ideology. The traditional embroidery pattern of the city of Kalocsa is one of the best known Hungarian folk motifs, and therefore it has been appropriated by mass culture. And it is this motif that I have found suitable to express my critique, through this profane use of material, against the misuse of our national traditions, whether by capitalism or by the ruling political power. In addition to this, I also wanted to reflect on the social inequalities that result from mass production. For these mechanisms are not only to be found in the global exploitation of the world, but also in the craft business. The hand-embroidered products, which are expensive, are made by underpaid, mainly retired rural women, such as my grandmother, who worked as an embroiderer for many years. She taught me how to embroider, and with that knowledge I embroidered the first 6 frames of this roll of toilet paper by hand, without using any other material than paper.