Luck of space
Graphics, soil, concrete slabs, installation, 2023
Aquarium, Academy of Arts, Vienna, 2023
I dedicated this project to all those who are going through difficult times. I think there are a lot of them now. All those who are tired, who find it difficult to adapt to another, suddenly turned upside down life, all those who find it difficult to find their place. You are all small and big heroes and I admire your strength and your weakness.
I want to share here the words of my teacher, which have been supporting me in difficult moments for many years. Just imagine that it is written to you too:
"Make no doubt about it - you are in motion and you are working. Do NOT try to reshape yourself - always go with the flow; you can go up and be carried along, or go down there you can think. Rowing sideways is a waste of energy. I've had periods in my life where I didn't paint. Then I always came back and never regretted it because I gained a different experience and more confidence.
The free and strong artist within you will allow you to tackle any challenge. Appreciate your gift and develop it, never lose faith in yourself. I have no doubts about the truth of your path, and this is a great time for you...".
Luck of space
***
I was thinking about
All those little survivors
Around us, under our feet
They have managed to live
And even blossom in cracks,
In between concrete plates
Having just as little as possible
Tender, fragile but so strong
Just like many of us
I was thinking about
Steps towards little inhabitants
To give more texture to urban flatness
To keep few raindrops for someone who needs it
A small pit can be a lake for bees and birds
If it was collected
I was thinking about care
Even in the smallest details
Because we all need it
It's a hard job to blossom
When the World is cracking
From wars and heat
***
Asya Marakulina, 2023
Photographs by Olga Shapovalova
