ARTIST STATEMENT

As an artist who works predominantly with the biodegradable and renewable medium of pure wool, Varadi communicates in a very direct manner her commitment to sustainability and environmental concerns. Working with different type of natural fibres like wool and linen and
using textile techniques such as dyeing, felting and sculptural manipulation, she also incorporates nontraditional materials such as moss and lichen in her work. Brigitta Varadi’s work explores how memory can inform our present day perspectives and artistic expressions. Brigitta searches for pattern and repetition of gesture that relate to the invisible and everyday
rituals of working life and the constructed environment. The process reflects the essence of her work, an erosion of memories through repetitive action till all that remains is the action itself. She is very influenced by the natural landscape that surrounds her and has engaged in projects relating to fracking (‘Talk about Fracking’ was part of the TRADE residency program run jointly by Leitrim and Roscommon County Council in 2011 to voice the current concern of the local people and to raise the issue of hydraulic fracturing) and more recently in the decline of sheepfarming in the North West of Ireland.

Brigitta has exhibited both nationally and internationally including, UK, Ireland, France, Finland, Sweden, Hungary and the USA. Her latest solo shows were held at the Leitrim Sculpture Centre (2015), Ireland, Serbian Church Gallery (2015), Hungary, Textile Arts Centre (2014), New York. Her upcoming solo show will be held at the Budapest Gallery (2017).

Brigitta Varadi participated in the New York Foundation for the Arts, IAP mentoring Program (2016), Wassaic Project, Education Fellowship (2016), Leitrim Sculpture Centre Fellowship (2015), The New York Art Residency and Studios (NARS) Foundation (2014), Textile Arts Centre, Brooklyn ( 2014), LOCIS, European Cultural Program (2014), chaNorth, Chashama (2013) and
more. She is a recipient of numerous awards including Arts Council of Ireland Travel and Training Award, Arts Council of Ireland Artists in Prison Scheme Award, Leitrim County CouncilArts Bursary, Culture Ireland Award. Brigitta was acknowledged for her contribution to the arts
of Ireland by the President, Mary Mc Alesse, 2008.