Roman Ondak (b. 1966, Zilina, Slovakia) works in installation, photography, video, drawing and performance art, often involving people he has some relationship with, to investigate how societies can be organized through structures of inclusion and exclusion. Growing up under the communist regime of former Czechoslovakia, Ondak observed how these structures can fail, and explores the potential for alternative modes of social and political interaction. His work reflects the propagandistic alterations of image that he viewed during his adolescence, often giving the impression that reality has been readjusted. Through his practice, Ondak playfully interrogates the rituals and assumptions that govern everyday life.
Ondak lives and works in Bratislava. He has had solo exhibitions at Fundacio Tapies, Barcelona (2023); Slovak National Gallery, Bratislava (2020); Kunstforum Ostdeutsche Galerie, Regensburg (2018); The Arts Club of Chicago, Chicago (2017); Kunsten Museum of Modern Art, Aalborg (2017); South London Gallery, London (2016); Guangdong Times Museum, Guangzhou (2015); Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid (2013); Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Paris (2012); Deutsche Guggenheim, Berlin (2012); K21, Düsseldorf (2012); Kunsthaus Zürich (2011); Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo, Mexico City (2011); Modern Art, Oxford (2011); Museum of Modern Art, New York (2009); Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich (2007); Tate Modern, London (2006); CCA, Kitakyushu, Japan (2004); and Kölnischer Kunstverein, Cologne (2004). He participated in the biennials including Aichi Triennale, Aichi (2022); 10. Gwangju Biennale, Gwangju (2014); dOCUMENTA (13), Kassel (2012); 54. Venice Biennale and 50. Venice Biennale, Venice (2011 and 2003); 6th Berlin Biennale, Berlin (2010); 27th Bienal São Paulo, São Paulo (2006) and Manifesta 3., Ljubljana and Manifesta 1., Rotterdam (2000 and 1996). In 2009 he presented the installation Loop in the pavilion of Slovak and Czech republics at the 53rd Venice Biennale.
Ondak's work is included in the collections of The Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Guggenheim Museum, New York; Tate, London; Centre Pompidou, Paris; Kunsthaus Zürich; Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich; MUDAM, Luxembourg; The Israel Museum, Jerusalem.