Tarek Zaki
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This is the first of three large roundabouts to be completed in the region known as “10 vor Wien” (an area of 10 municipalities near Vienna). Tarek Zaki has assembled a monumental ensemble of sculptures relating the circle. The project has the title O. At first glance, the work looks like an oversized Roman excavation site, but on closer inspection, we realize that the objects appear to be from different periods. Not only do we see parts of ancient columns, but also blown-up versions of small plastic objects have been added to this monument.
These sculptures were created in the spring and summer of 2013 by Tarek Zaki and two co-workers in Cairo under difficult circumstances during the curfew. They are made of polyester and have a refined surface that gives the sculptures an almost stone or concrete appearance. Tarek Zaki explores the flow of time, memory, civilization, and the depiction of history and the past. He says: “after travelling around a bit, I started looking for what is common, what unites humans rather than what is different. […] In my work I was never concerned with things that are very specific, geographically or ethnically. I try to create works that are relevant to you, to me, and to people in China [author’s comment: or in Lower Austria, one might add]. [...] I do the same in my work: time travelling, like in Time Machine: Remembering Tomorrow. To me time is a great mystery and the very core of existence. I try to get rid of time and see what happens.” (Tarek Zaki, in an interview with Stephanie Sykes in Art Dubai Journal)
(Hildegund Amamshauser)
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