Lydia Patafta

Analysis of the Taboo Phenomenon

08_2023

Art Colony Cered, Hungary

Mentioning the word taboo automatically causes a feeling of discomfort, shame, fear. It concerns our sensitive places that we try to cover with layers, like a wound is covered with a bandage. It is exactly the internal conflict between what is really true and what is purposefully concealed or distorted for the public that creates a tense game full of adrenaline. The aura around taboo topics spreads and becomes powerful through the belief that the problem will go unnoticed.

A certain phenomenon is passively avoided. A benign version of the situation is ready which is presented to the public. But only in case of the interested, the curious. Otherwise, taboo loves silence. And the level of curiosity depends on a person’s subjective interest and inclination to deal with the essence of things.

A personal taboo topic is storage. Saving and storing the file in impenetrable dense tissues. A collection of amorphous hardened lumps of wax. Obstinate deposits that settle under the weight of one’s own comfort and ideal image in public. An unidentified package carefully tied with a knot. Extra secured with boulders that prevent opening. Everyone agrees that it’s better that way. Therefore, the tiny lights that occasionally penetrate through the slits remain unnoticed.

Life surprises with its hardening cruelty. Settle in and don’t leave. It remains. Like plaster on broken limbs, ossified wings. You remain stuck to the ground with a sticky resin that soaks into the muscles and blocks the flow of impulses. You are tired and longing for rest. You close your eyes and ears. You created your own version of the story for yourself. And this second one for others, just in case…

Dimensions of the installation:

Total dimension (approximately): 77x114cm

Each square: 19x19cm