selected works
Altar for «Inner kids»
Georgia, 2023In every family, the influence of parents shapes us and leaves its mark. Traumatic events shape us, altering our perception of the world; however, when processed, they can become a source of strength. Healing takes time, energy, and intention. This altar is a metaphor for that process and a space for others to reconnect with their inner child.
For this altar, I created a ritual that people are invited to follow:
I. Remember a moment from childhood where you needed support. Write a letter to your younger self, offering the kindness and encouragement you didn’t receive at the time.
II. Tear the letter apart. This is an act of letting go, but also of integration. The altar itself was built using papier-mache, layered from countless torn papers, mirroring this process. In some places, the raw paper is still visible, a reminder that this space was created by someone who has gone through the same.
III. Make a sandcastle using a mold. I chose sand because it’s something everyone, no matter where they’re from, has played with as a child.
IV. Place a birthday candle on top and light it. A birthday candle is a universal anchor, a small but powerful ritual across cultures. It marks transition and growth.
V. Blow out the candle and celebrate. You can make a wish, or simply acknowledge that you’ve grown. Processing trauma is a form of growing up. It helps us recognize when our patterns are mechanical reactions born of pain, and it gives us the chance to choose another way.
When I took part in this ritual, I felt that my younger self would be proud of me for becoming the artist she once dreamed of.
Materials and Dimensions:
A 70 cm × 150 cm installation made using the papier-mâché technique, colored with white acrylic paint. Interactive elements include pink kinetic sand, birthday candles, and old sand molds.
BTS
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