Project description

"open heart" berlin art week

“Open Heart” is a 3.5 meter high sculpture, cast from 1000 kg of sugar. The sculpture is housed in an acrylic glass steel box, with an air conditioner / dehumidifier to control the environment within the box to maintain the life of the sugar heart. Electricity is ONLY supplied by passers by who decide to ride a turbine generator bike. The heart lives depending on the level of public engagement...

concept

The melting sugar sculpture represents life itself, transient and simultaneously precious. Inspired by Buddhist concepts, particularly the idea of Samsara, the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, the sculpture is placed outdoors where it slowly melts over time. Stemming from the reflection of the unyielding movement of time and the constant decay of all things, observers can recognize the transience of the moment as they watch the sculpture. The interactive participation by generating power with bicycles becomes a symbolic act reminiscent of the Buddhist concept of Karma. The energy invested by the community in the sculpture directly influences its longevity. The simple, minimalist appearance of the sculpture and the tranquil surroundings are intended to encourage observers to pause and appreciate the present moment. The melting becomes a meditative experience that prompts observers to reflect on the transience of life.

concept

Sugar elicits a reaction in almost everyone – whether it be to celebrate significant events with beauty, sweet memories, traditions, and rituals, or to be regarded as the “white poison.” In my work, I explore questions of consciousness and the concept of Vanitas. In my engagement with the material sugar, I am particularly interested in the ephemerality of solubility and sweetness. The slow melting of the sugar sculpture symbolizes the transience of life, impermanence, while the sweetness points to precious but fleeting moments in life. A contrast that may allude to the duality of life – sweet joys intertwined with the inevitable passage of time..

Come and be a part of this interactive work

11.09 - 30.09 @ Park am gleisdreieck Berlin

Come and interact with this public work. Location: in front of "Tor Eins" Restaurant in park am Gleisdreieck, Möckernstrasse 26, 10963

Maps Location