A White Crow for Ilona Németh
Ilona Németh, an artist, professor, and curator of the Visual Stage at Pohoda, was honoured yesterday with the prestigious White Crow award. She received the award for her lifelong artistic achievements and civic engagement. Notably, she was summoned for police questioning after initiating a petition advocating for the dismissal of the Minister of Culture. The White Crow awards are presented annually to individuals who courageously stand up for truth, justice, and the public good, often at great personal risk—facing threats, legal repercussions, or career setbacks. Congratulations to Ilona Németh and the other laureates for their public advocacy and contributions to society.
19. November 2024
"I’m very happy that our long-time collaborator, Ilona Németh, has received the White Crow award. She truly deserves it. Beyond being a globally renowned visual artist, she also creates opportunities for other artists—something we at Pohoda have experienced firsthand. Under her guidance, Pohoda’s Visual Stage has evolved into a prestigious platform showcasing contemporary visual art. I love her trust in Pohoda’s audience; she never underestimates them or chooses works based solely on surface appeal. Instead, she prioritises quality, depth, and art with powerful substance. Her activism, full of incredible energy and a rare dose of courage, is also important. Ilona is a strong, multifaceted personality—I admire her directness, insight, humanity, and her remarkable sense of respect and perspective. Collaborating with her is a privilege, and I’m proud to call her a close friend. Ilona, congratulations! We look forward to many more shared adventures and challenges ahead," adds Michal Kaščák from Pohoda Festival.
Ilona Németh has been cooperating with the Pohoda festival for several years. At Pohoda in the Air (2020), Neuropa played its concert directly on her visual work Viewpoint - Salute to Nauman.
Watch the recording of the White Crow awards ceremony here: