Guest Workers

2022

Budapest, IX. District, Ferenc Square
May 11, 2022 - May 24, 2022
Photos: József Rosta
Sound design: Adrienn Bartha

In the IX. district, a characteristic phenomenon is the very pronounced yet often invisible presence of guest workers, a result of investments in the construction industry. As they utilize public spaces within the neighborhood, we trace their conversations and stories, shedding light on their unique way of life, which leaves them as transient figures in the district. They frequently spend months here without forming lasting connections to the places where they work, apart from brief social interactions. Our project delves into this phenomenon and explores their narratives.

The public artwork comprises two elements. One consists of two sculptural pieces, while the other features a sound installation centered around these workers. We hear a dialogue from two enlarged work safety helmets, elevated from the ground. These dialogues are made in a dialogue format, drawing from targeted interviews conducted in the district. The dialogues do not form a continuous text but rather contain approximately 45 minutes of repeated material. In total, they encompass 10 to 14 longer and shorter segments, punctuated by brief pauses.