Ferenc Gróf

Naive Set Theorem (of Flags, of Colors, of Continents)

part of a series; digital print on textile (flag), variable dimensions, 2018

Ferenc Gróf

Naive Set Theorem (of Flags, of Colors, of Continents)

part of a series; silkscreen poster, variable dimensions, 2018

The project is based on a series of flags which depict a colorimetric timeline of the second half of the 20th century. The three main geopolitical blocks of this period, the non-aligned countries, the NATO and the Warsaw Pact, are represented by the average color of their national flags. The series of flags follow the crucial dates of their formation, starting from 1955, which was the date of the Bandung conference and the formation of the Warsaw Pact. The monochromatic series follows the events of the century through the dissolution of the socialist block, to the enlargement of the NATO and the institutionalization of the NAM. In the background of this colored timeline of merging national symbols, a reactualized '68 poster is presented on a wall. Produced at the Atelier Populaire of the Fine Art Academy of Paris during May 1968, the original poster read “3 continents, 1 revolution” with a three set Venn diagram as the central motif. This simple poster printed with red ink on white paper was transformed to a seven set Venn diagram and reading “7 continents / 1 revolution” and using the mixed, smashed up colors of the flag installation, the average colors of historical moments. No flags, no countries, but revolution.