This Too Shall Pass, 2024

Styrofoam, Concrete

My work symbolises a process that is repeated over and over again in the collective consciousness – I refer to it as the process of reaching for hope. It can sometimes seem cold and meaningless, but it is extremely important. Because hope is an essential and dynamic part of human nature. It drives the individual and society to imagine and strive for a better, fairer future. This hope is not abstract or illusory; it is deeply rooted in our collective memory, and this is what I am trying to highlight in this work. The saying “It won’t always be like this”, which is projected on the wall, although it has no clear origin, is a common saying in Jewish folklore. The story tells of King Solomon, who, when asked what saying would be true in both misery and joy, replied: “it will not always be so”. The origin of this saying is often attributed to Persian poets. In one Persian story, a powerful king asked the wise men to make a ring that would cheer him when he was sad. They delivered a ring engraved with the inscription ‘It will not always be so’. In this piece, I wanted every detail and action to have its own meaning to convey important ideas and emotions. Seeing through the eye requires concentration and personal involvement. The visible text is not just writing on the wall, it is a projection of light, which seemed to me to be a symbol of a truth that is not laid out in a stack, it is intangible and exists only in our consciousness. Looking through the eye, the gaze is focused only on the inscription, isolated from the environment. The inscription becomes more distinctive and memorable, which gives it a sense of immediacy. And as for the sculptural staircase object I chose concrete for the sculptural element of the staircase for several reasons. Firstly, concrete is directly linked to the Soviet period and architecture. This choice helps to reflect the brutality, coldness and uncertainty of the period, as well as a reference to the difficult experiences of the past. Secondly, concrete is a strong and durable material that perfectly reflects the theme of transience and permanence. This object, made of concrete, embodies the idea that even in the most difficult conditions, hope can be solid and indestructible. My aim was to create a work that not only reflects on past experiences, but also encourages us to think about the essence of being and the importance of hope in our lives.