A single sculpture installation, based on Stanisław Wyspiański’s famous pastel ‘Chochoły’.

The idea of temporary protection, preservation and nature's capacity to be reborn becomes encapsulated in an ambivalent form, reminiscent of both human figure and a hay cone.

The ‘perishable’ is an inherent part of Marcin Rusak’s work. Here the relevance of his ephemeral sculpture can be seen both as a manifestation of the studio’s ongoing practice, but also as a metaphor for the Polish cultural identity defined by Wyspiański. While the motive of ‘Chocholy’ was, and still remains a symbol of a ‘dormant’ nation in the time of partition, Rusak’s work carries the possibility of awakening through the gradual change and transformation of its perishable material.

The initial idea of creating a multiple sculpture installation - presented as a petrified choreography of a dance macabre - has finally been synthesised in a singular, dynamic shape. All natural elements are encapsulated under the thick skin of its abstract silhouette, which seems to be rooted in the manifold faces of the Slavic Spirits

Wrapped around the steel wire construction an organic cocoon is formed

A man made tissue of a hand sewn jute and dry flowers species inspired by the Młoda Polska movement. This elaborate base is given an ephemeral layer of shellac and flower waste which, in a gesture representing the struggle between deterioration and preservation, is partially metallized with zinc.

Dependent on the atmospheric conditions and its progressive decline, the sculpture comes to life, gradually uncovering its hidden layers and carrying the hope of becoming something else.