Maria Semenenko & Viktoria Nagibina

 The Origins, 2017  

Working with wood in the world of sculpture usually means the artist uses only the core of the wood, disregarding the bark and other unnecessary parts. However, in reality, the branches and logs as a whole have so much more to offer than beautiful grain. We embrace the wood in its natural state because of two reasons. First, for its textural quality: very rich and diverse. Second, for its symbolism: a source of life for many species. The sculpture parallels these points. It’s a raw structure that bears life.

 Crawl inside and have a few minutes of meditation. Lie down or sit with your legs crossed and try to absorb this elemental feeling of being nurtured and loved just as you are. Notice how subconsciously the soft red velvet and twigs (or are they blood vessels?) act like a black hole, transporting you to the beginning of life. As an unborn child is unaware of the outer world, the concept of judgment is lost within the walls of the structure. It’s about being a perfect part of the perfect universe right now.