The artwork "Grinning Faun (Self-Portrait)" by Gideon Horváth features a striking composition with a prominent beeswax mask in vibrant yellow, the texture and horns evoking fantastical elements. The subject's playful, wide grin adds a layer of surreal humor. Horváth's use of beeswax, noted for its fluidity and transformative nature, contributes to the piece's queer and ecological themes. This print challenges conventional self-portraiture, reflecting the artist's exploration of identity, transformation, and the interconnectedness of humans and nature through innovative materiality and symbolism. ...
Gideon Horváth engages with queer and ecological theories through sculptural installations that challenge anthropocentrism and dualistic worldviews, creating space for sensual and intuitive experiences. His installations invite viewers to engage with his subjects through perceptual and emotional interaction. A central element of Horváth’s practice is his use of beeswax, which he considers a “queer material” due to its ambivalence, fluidity, and constant process of becoming. This material embodies both sensitivity and resilience, reflecting his interest in vulnerability, transformation, and the cycles of nature. He also works with other materials that appear fragile but possess inherent strength, such as porcelain, emphasizing the interplay between delicacy and endurance. Through his sculptural and performative work, Horváth explores ecological and queer histories, subcultures, and materiality, creating immersive environments that provoke reflection on identity, memory, and the interdependence of humans and the natural world. ...
