Viktor Freso | Birth of Self and the Complexity of Ego

March 13-April 24, 2021

Born in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, Frešo creates sophisticated concepts and projects, presenting them as seemingly simple “pieces of art.” Much of his work reflects some version of a self-portrait, focused on the authentic self and challenging the usual ways of presenting self-portraiture in art. His work also raises debates about stereotypes of perception of art and values of artistic operation. 

Frešo’s well-known sculptural figure, known as “Pičus,” is a disproportionate figure with an oversized head featuring an arrogant, angry expression, resulting in a mix of emotions from the viewer.

“The figure evokes the essence of negative emotions that people try to hide all of their life, while his physicality simultaneously reminds us of the ridiculous and insignificance of his self-proclaimed importance and arrogance,” said Frešo. 

The artist first presented Pičus as a body of sculpture in 2013 at the Bea City Beats Festival, where it stood alongside performing artists in concert. Since then, this installation has been exhibited at the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum in Bratislava, Art Cologne, NordArt, KunstRAI in Amsterdam and most recently, at the LA Art Show. A full list of Frešo’s past exhibitions can be found at https://viktorfreso.com/info/curriculum-vitae/.

Frešo has been highly exhibited in museums and art fairs throughout Europe, and for the first time, K Contemporary will present his work in Denver. Frešo’s debut exhibition at K Contemporary will feature his Pičus sculptures alongside two-dimensional work, inflatables and wall-based installation work.

“One of K Contemporary’s objectives, alongside supporting Denver-based artists and bringing unique art experiences to the community, is to bring the work of international contemporary artists to Denver, such as Francisco Souto of Venezuela, Ken Gun Min of South Korea and Carlos Martiel of Cuba,” said Doug Kacena, K Contemporary owner. “As one of the most remarkable figures in contemporary art after the year 2000 in the former Czechoslovakia, Viktor Frešo’s work is well-known across Europe. His sculptural pieces evoke emotion and conversation, inviting the viewer to consider one’s own self-awareness and authenticity.”

This exhibition is made possible through a collaboration with Building Bridges Art Exchange in Los Angeles, CA.