Kateřina Šedá

Born in Brno, Czech Republic, 1977; lives and works in Brno

Interested in furthering communication through shared experience, Kateřina Šedá creates collaborative actions that center on the daily lives of ordinary people. In an attempt to break down physical or psychological boundaries, she often organizes games, activities, or competitions that address social issues. Whether she is synchronizing the routines of people in a village or holding a contest that asks neighbors to draw the views from their respective front doors, Šedá’s meaningful interventions alter relationships and our perceived definition of normalcy. She explains, “My work is meant to blend in with normal things, with ordinary life…What I’m trying for is so that anyone can repeat what I’ve done; I’m trying to find the simplest solution possible.”

Everything Is Perfect evolved from conversations that Šedá had with people who live and work in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Curious about the ways individuals within those communities measure success, she has formulated a project that celebrates their ordinary characteristics and talents. Although Everything Is Perfect is based on The Guinness Book of World Records, here Šedá focuses not on feats of strength or skill, but on the everyday attributes that make a person unique — the bluest eyes, the largest collection of salt and pepper shakers. The call for participation begins on the opening day of Project Los Altos, and over the course of several weeks visitors will be able to access the dedicated website for the project (www.everythingisperfect.org) and submit applications at Šedá’s area within the main exhibition space (located at 359 State Street). Šedá will select and meet with “ordinary talent winners,” whose images will be displayed on the walls of the gallery as part of her work.

Jenny Gheith
Assistant Curator of Painting and Sculpture