On the occasion of the current OFF-Biennale Useless Galeri (Fanni Solymár and Luca Petrányi) is creating a site-specific project, which invisibly blends into the often mystified and prejudiced site of the Chinese Market of Józsefváros. The commissioned artists ( Richárd Melykó - Haibo Illés, Zsófia Móró, Zsófia Paczolay) create three sound-walks, which reflect on timely questions of alienation, a sense of home, safety and access, while evoking universal feelings, that anyone can resonate with.
Coordinates of the starting point: 47°29'19.3"N 19°05'48.1"E
In front of the entrance with a sign “BÁRDI AUTÓ”
IMPORTANT INFO: To participate in the walks, you ’ll need a smartphone or a device that can play music and a pair of earphones! You can either download the sound files beforehand or have mobile data to stream the sound files online!
Practical info: The terrain of the Józsefváros Market can be very uneven, watch your step! If you participate with smaller children, we recommend a carrier instead of a stroller. It might be worth it to walk and listen alone, and gather together later with your friends to discuss your experience.
Walks
1.
ENG
Zsófia Paczolay: Kőbánya Express
Duration: 30”
Contributors: Zsófi Paczolay (narration), Dávid Somló (sound design)
Music and sound
Field recordings at the Józsefváros market
蘇聰 (Cong Su):美夢成真 (album: Dreams Come True) / song: 美美的夢 (The Dream Of Mei Mei)
郭峰 (Guō Fēng): 黄色 (album: Yellow) / song: 戀 (Love)
蓮明一派 – (T at Ming Pair) – 禁色 (Forbidden Pleasure)
鄧麗君 (T eresa T eng) - 忘記他 (Forget Him)
2.
ENG
Zsófia Móró: The rehearsal
Duration: 19”
Contributors: Hungary Starlight Choir
Music and sound
Folk song of the Yimeng Mountains
"Quiet song " Csöndes dal, 1997, Boldizsár Csiky
"The world needs warm hearts " 1986, Liu Huan
3.
ENG
Haibo Illés and Richárd Melykó: Unknown Tigresses
Duration: 20”
Contributors: Anna Vecsernyés (voice), Haibo Illés (propaganda caption voice), Richárd Melykó (editing)
Music and sound
iu takahashi - Dew
Survivor - Eye of the tiger
Special thanks: Mihály Gulyás, Bibiána Jordán, Luca Kovács
Curatorial concept
Who is considered the foreigner, the outsider and the host? The current wave of migration is significantly impacting Hungarian society. Over the past decade, war refugees and economic migrants from various regions have arrived in Hungary, seeking new homes. Within the city ' s fabric, these ' communities of outsiders ' are at times invisible and at other times highly visible. How long does one remain an outsider, and when does one become integrated into local society? Why do some individuals continue to be viewed as outsiders, despite having lived in the country for generations? Who is responsible for this: the migrants themselves or those who offer shelter?
The political narrative in Hungary primarily focuses on safeguarding the interests of Hungarian citizens while demonizing foreigners. Through targeted political propaganda, xenophobia is deliberately fostered, embedding fear and resentment within society ’ s collective consciousness. Rather than promoting social cohesion, this rhetoric deepens division, reinforcing detachment and distrust while perpetuating the exclusion of ‘ outsiders ’ . The fundamental question remains: to what extent can these dynamics be challenged and redefined?
Due to prevalent social disconnection and distrust, diasporas residing in Hungary frequently form tightly-knit communities, creating their own microcosms. Within the urban landscape, it is common to encounter local establishments such as grocery stores or GSM shops operated by individuals from different countries or cultures. The staff often speaks a foreign language and upholds distinct social norms, while the products on display may be unfamiliar. In these ' reverse spaces, ' members of the majority society can experience a sense of alienation, akin to being in a foreign country.
One of the most intricate examples of this phenomenon is the Józsefváros Market, also known as the Chinese Market or the Four Tigers (Ganz-MÁ V AG) Market. As one of the largest and most dynamic marketplaces in the capital, it holds a significant place in the city ' s history and urban structure while simultaneously embodying a distinct and unconventional world of its own. The market presents an almost inverted reality—upon entry, a sense of disorientation takes hold, blurring familiar reference points. Who truly belongs here, and whose rules govern this space?
The project features three walks through the market, each designed to be experienced individually. These walks explore personal and societal themes related to migration, security, and accessibility. Through immersive soundscapes, they evoke universal emotions of belonging and alienation, offering experiences that anyone can resonate with.
Curators: Useless Galeri (Luca Petrányi and Fanni Solymár)
Assistant curator: Benedek Farkas
Artists: Richárd Melykó – Haibo Illés, Zsófia Móró, Zsófia Paczolay
Consultants: Fanni Beck, Dávid Somló
Venue: Józsefváros Market, Kőbányai út 29. (District 8)
Opening: May 25, 14:00
Open: May 26 – June 14, Monday-Sunday: 7:00–16:00
Finissage: June 14
