Square of Mind, 2024

Decorative concrete, extruded polystyrene (XPS)

Square of Mind (object & text) I am a square meter. Blank, gray, concrete. Nature never shaped me. My material is artificial. I was born inside your head. The true essence of value often lies beyond me. Yet you price me, sell me, buy me. “How much per square?” You measure and weigh through me. You build me, embed me into landscapes, displace others in my name. You desire me. You go into debt for me. You believe I bring safety. You think in my terms. I occupy your mind — you are m i n e. The work (mixed media object & text) is an artistic reflection on the contemporary real estate market in Vilnius—its actors, the rapid transformation of urban spaces, and the resulting uniformity. Viewers are invited to confront a “square meter pulled from our minds.” This piece forms part of Rėda’s broader artistic research project „White Darkness“ (2023–2025), which explores the tension between preserving the unique landscape of Vilnius’s historic center and the forces of real estate development. Through her creative practice, the artist invites reflection on the city’s development trajectory, principles of coexistence, and the culture of memory. The work is part of Rėda’s broader artistic research project White Darkness (2023–2025), which explores the tension between preserving the unique landscape of Vilnius’s historic center and ongoing real estate development. The work was installed in June 2025 at Apiece, a one-work vitrine gallery in Vilnius. A public square was intentionally chosen as the site for the installation, reinforcing the work’s engagement with the urgent and painful questions raised by the rapidly changing city. The gallery itself is located within the square and adopts a distinctive curatorial approach—it comes to the viewer, embedding contemporary art in everyday urban space rather than waiting for the audience to visit a traditional gallery setting. The project The Square as a Unit of Thought is also included in the official program of Culture Night | 2025. #kulturosnakis #culturenight