To all the children of the planet Earth, 2021
Concrete, cobalt glass from mosaic “Tourism” in Mariupol (Ukraine), polaroid. 30×10 cm
During Stereologia residency in Mariupol, Ukraine I was really surprised how many new playgrounds were installed in the past few years. At the same time the Soviet mosaic “Tourism” with the happy children is currently almost destroyed. Ukraine is a state where the past doesn’t meet the present and future. I was wondering what young people can learn from the old generation and vice-versa. Can we find common ground in our present to build a better future? Whatever the answer will be, I know for sure that we all have the same pain of loneliness and misunderstanding. Therefore I dedicated this piece to all the children of the planet Earth who feel lonely and forgotten.
The piece was made under support of @tu_mariupol during the art residence Stereologia in October 2021
In February 2022 Mariupol was attacked by Russian military forces. 90% of the city was destroyed. The schools and universities were heavily shelled. Many children and teenagers were killed or injured. Many children were illegally deported to Russia, some of them managed to flee to the EU. The children who inspired me for this piece lost their homes and relatives and had to leave Mariupol.
The destiny of this piece is unknown.
Olga Chekotovska 