Monument of Oblivion

2024


Debris chute, dimensions variable, 8-channel sound, 10 min. (loop)
Sound design: Azin Feizabadi
Commissioned by TAXISPALAIS


To whom have monuments been erected and to whom not? How should we deal with monuments to violent rulers and what do we do about the ones that are missing? What has been forgotten and what is dealt with in which way? Coping with the past in order to be fit for the future? The future for whom? And what is happening in the present? The Monument of Oblivion lets the debris rattle, sigh and go round in circles. A paradox that has turned into sculpture and sound. The Latin word “monumentum” derives from the verb “monere,” which is also at the root of “monster.” What do we want to be reminded of and warned against, what do we want to show? What fascinates us, what is extraordinary in whose sense, and who would rather forget what? A reminder of forgetting: It’s getting louder, the chute vibrates—how long can it hold the debris back?

from exhibition text by Nina Tabassomi