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SpY (ESP) → ORB

19–24
  • Hradčany
  • Object installation

About project

The ORB installation is inspired by Egypt’s historical heritage. The object was created in 2022 as part of the major exhibition “Forever Is Now II”, organized by Culturvator Art D’Égypte in collaboration with UNESCO and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Its first presentation took place in the area of the Giza Pyramids. The shapes and materials of the object are based on elements of mathematics and symbolism present in classical Egyptian culture and in the pyramids in particular. Its proportions refer to the number “pi” hidden in the geometry of the pyramids, which is the result of dividing the circumference of the pyramid by twice its height. The sphere is an invisible part of this geometry, because if it had the same radius as the pyramid, its circumference would be almost identical to that of the pyramid. The surface of the work reflects its surroundings, the architecture, the sky and the audience in a multiply fragmented reflection. It refers to the role of the circular mirror in ancient Egyptian symbolism, where it was associated with the sun and conveyed ideas of creation and rebirth.

Artist

The Spanish artist and his studio, operating under the SpY label, is a large laboratory space with a large team of technical specialists and craftsmen. Contextual art projects are currently among the most original and debated contributions in the field of art in public space. The works realized so far are a set of large-scale installations and interventions, increasingly ambitious and impressive, realized all over the world (Basel, Riyadh, Madrid, Mumbai, Bilbao, Paris, Amsterdam and New York). SpY often involves the audience in the artistic process, working with incisive concepts and strong formal approaches that raise fundamental questions about the reality of interpersonal relationships. His projects create a dialogue with the urban environment, disrupting its everyday routine and exploring it as a playground full of untapped possibilities.

Location

The Southern Gardens were gradually built on the site of the fortifications under Prague Castle. After the last reconstruction in 2012, they returned to their original form from the 1920s, when they were adapted for President T. G. Masaryk by the Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik. The entire complex consists of three gardens (Rajská, Na Valech and Hartigovská), which together measure almost 500 metres. The ORB mirror installation, located in the central part of the Na Valech Garden, reflects not only the backdrop of Prague Castle, but also, thanks to Plečnik's vantage point, the entire panorama of Prague.

Supported by

  • Partner of the installation

    Administration of Prague Castle