In her pursuit to redefine the meaning of 'Object,' Polish artist and maker Anna Bera drew inspiration from her philosophical view of its essence.
For Bera, objects are not merely entities that exist and are perceived, but rather those that have the power to influence and captivate us. She believes that objects come to us from the external world, demanding our attention, and we, in turn, respond to them. While some fragments of the world can be personalized and shaped by us, objects themselves impose something upon us, creating a unique dynamic between humans and the tangible world.
Since 2014, Bera has been expressing her artistic vision through her preferred medium of wood, crafting unique objects and functional art by hand. Her creative process is deeply rooted in her observations of the intricate relationship between humans and nature, encompassing biological, spiritual, and cultural perspectives. This profound connection with the natural world forms the foundation of her latest collection, aptly named 'OBJECT.'
Bera's artistic endeavor with the 'OBJECT' collection aims to evoke a sense of the inherent existence of their essence. Much like Roquentin in Sartre's 'Nausea,' who experiences a sudden realization of the weight and physicality of objects around him, Bera wants her audience to feel the same profound understanding of reality. Quoting Roquentin, she explains, "Now I knew that things are just what they seem—and beyond that… there is nothing." This revelation about the nature of reality and the essence of objects instills a sense of awe and introspection within the viewer.
Through her exploration of 'OBJECT,' Anna Bera invites us to contemplate the intrinsic meaning of objects and their place in our lives. Her collection serves as a testament to the intricate interplay between human consciousness and the material world, urging us to reevaluate our perception of the tangible universe that surrounds us.
