At the same time, they are also maximally functional, because they are built in special areas and cemeteries intended for graves and tombstones. Tombstones also give visitors an artistic experience – in long-standing (and still operating) cemeteries you can see the perfect chronology of sculptural thought, the development of three-dimensional art – from the 19th century. the beginning (here approximately in the context of Lithuania, in other cemeteries of countries that have had a quieter life, the lower limit dates may be particularly old) to works of art created just yesterday.
Graveyards also have slower earning experiences. In them, for example, it is very easy to make sure that the profession of an artist does not provide a guarantee of quality – there are very crudely made tombstones and the most excellent, breathtaking sculptures nearby. This experience makes me think about the incredible relationship between artists and patrons, and at the same time evaluate the change in sculptural taste and the transformations of grave design priorities.
Tombstones have another very important feature – they never divide society or cause any tension.
Tombstones have another very important feature – they never divide society or cause any tension – even the grave of the most controversial personality and the tombstone that appeared on it are usually left alone.
Well, and finally, cemeteries with all the graves and tombstones are established in the most beautiful places. Established – no longer moved, only more beautiful, with trees that cannot be cut down, giving shelter to a person sitting on a bench.
In this way, virtuosically, I brought my story to the second acceptable type of public sculptural memorial objects – memorial benches, with the innumerable positive experiences they provide.
The best and most recent example is the “Sit down with Kelmickaite” initiative. Participants of the initiative from cities and towns build benches dedicated to the memory of musicologist Zita Kelmickaitė. The benches – now there are 31 of them – are very diverse: some are simply bought, others are specially designed. A passer-by sitting on the backrest can read Z. Kelmickaitė’s cool aphoristic thought. In short, a great initiative.
In addition to functionality, memorial benches also provide other benefits, the most important of which is the indirect protection of public spaces from possible memorial visual pollution.
In addition to functionality, memorial benches also provide other benefits, the most important of which is probably the indirect protection of public spaces from possible memorial visual pollution, since the installation of a bench dampens the enthusiasm of sculpting.
Of course, a memorial bench will not cure an influential and wealthy enthusiast who has decided to decorate his city with a monument, but for smaller decorators, they are a good preventive measure. Especially since in Lithuania there is still room for compromise options, commemorative benches with sculptural figures, to appear. Although the first artefacts are already standing – here is the wood carver Raimonds Uždravis’ bench built in the center of Šakiai, on the edge of which is carved the figure of Zita Kelmickaitė, inviting you to sit next to her.
The first to place realistic sculptures on a standard, functional bench was the pop art artist Georg Segal (1924-2000), in the famous 1979. in the created installation “Three Figures and Four Benches”.
As is almost always the case with conceptual art, the creative idea was cleverly picked up by the non-professional environment. It didn’t happen very quickly, but already in the 1990s, municipal managers of towns, especially resort towns, realized that putting a sculpture of a famous person on a bench was a good thing.
A memorial bench, even with a sculpture, never divides society or creates unnecessary tension.
First, it is similar to a temporary static, so there is no need for long and sticky tunings; secondly, the production of the object is cheaper than the monument; third, a memorial bench, even with a sculpture, never divides society and does not cause unnecessary tension.
Photo by Greta Skaraitiene/BNS/Ernestas Parulskis
The great wave of benches with sculptures began to sweep the public spaces of cities and towns around 2009, when two events – the appearance of high-quality cameras in smartphones and the ability to quickly publish photos taken easily on social networks – completely changed the emphasis of travel and the habits of tourists. It’s easy to visualize this wave – just search for the phrase “a sculpture on a bench” and the curious will get billions of images with sculptures sitting on benches in various poses and tourists sitting next to them.
There is no negativity in this statement of the situation – bench sculptures, although they visually pollute the environment, are hundreds of times less harmful than traditional monuments, even small ones.
Bench sculptures, although they visually pollute the environment, are hundreds of times less harmful than traditional monuments, even small ones.
Fate also plays its role – there is no doubt that our municipal culture managers will soon grab this genre. I’d almost bet that a couple of future objects are already being born in one workshop or another.
And it’s good if it’s like this. And I can only feel sad that we lost a dozen years, and at the same time we lost the opportunity to put on benches many monuments that have already been built – from the Tiškevičiai in Palanga to the Vileiši brothers in Vilnius. The latter still sit, but in an exaggeratedly monumental way, at a bronze table with a bronze tablecloth.
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#Ernest #Parulskis #Tombstones #benches #Culture
2024-09-17 07:03:37
What role do tombstones and memorial benches play in community healing?
Table of Contents
The Unifying Power of Tombstones and Memorial Benches: A Celebration of Public Sculptural Memorial Objects
When it comes to public sculptural memorial objects, two types stand out for their unique ability to bring people together: tombstones and memorial benches. While they serve different purposes,
What are the artistic features of tombstones and memorial benches that contribute to their timeless beauty?
The Timeless Beauty of Tombstones and Memorial Benches: Unifying Society and Preserving Public Spaces
Tombstones and memorial benches are not only functional, but they also offer an artistic experience, showcasing the evolution of sculptural thought and three-dimensional art. These objects have been an integral part of our cultural heritage, providing a unique glimpse into the past while also serving as a tribute to the memories of our loved ones.
The Artistic Experience of Tombstones
In long-standing cemeteries, tombstones offer a perfect chronology of sculptural thought, reflecting the development of three-dimensional art from the 19th century to the present day. These masterpieces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide a window into the past, allowing us to appreciate the skill and craftsmanship of artists from different eras. Moreover, tombstones never divide society or cause tension, even in the case of controversial personalities, as they are usually left alone as a mark of respect.
The Slow-Earning Experience of Graveyards
Graveyards also provide a unique opportunity to appreciate the relationship between artists and patrons. By visiting these sacred spaces, we can see that even the most crudely made tombstones can stand alongside breathtaking sculptures, highlighting the incredible bond between creators and those who commissioned their work. This experience encourages us to reflect on the changing sculptural tastes and priorities of grave design over time.
The tranquil beauty of Cemeteries
Cemeteries, with their graves and tombstones, are often located in the most beautiful places, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere. These sacred spaces are a testament to the human desire to honor and remember our loved ones, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The trees that cannot be cut down give shelter to those who sit on benches, creating a sense of calm and contemplation.
Memorial Benches: A Diverse and Functional Tribute
Memorial benches, on the other hand, offer a more recent and innovative way to honor the memories of our loved ones. The “Sit down with Kelmickaite” initiative is a prime example of this trend, where participants from cities and towns build benches dedicated to the memory of musicologist Zita Kelmickaitė. These benches are not only functional but also provide an opportunity to read aphoristic thoughts and quotes, adding to the richness of the experience.
The Benefits of Memorial Benches
In addition to their functionality, memorial benches also offer several benefits, including the indirect protection of public spaces from possible memorial visual pollution. By dampening the enthusiasm for sculpting, these benches prevent the proliferation of memorial clutter, preserving the aesthetic appeal of our public spaces. Moreover, they provide a compromise option for those who wish to commemorate a loved one without overwhelming the visual landscape.
A Symbol of Compromise and Tolerance
Memorial benches are a testament to our ability to compromise and find common ground, even in the face of differing opinions and tastes. By embracing this trend, we can create a more harmonious and respectful public environment, where beauty and functionality coexist in perfect harmony.
tombstones and memorial benches are not only functional but also offer a unique artistic experience, showcasing the evolution of sculptural thought and three-dimensional art. These objects have the power to unite us, providing a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere that transcends time and space. By embracing their beauty and significance, we can create a more harmonious and respectful public environment, where art and functionality blend seamlessly together.
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Tombstones
Memorial Benches
Sculptural Thought
Cemeteries
Graveyards
Public Spaces
Memorial Visual Pollution
Compromise Options
Aesthetic Appeal
* Public Environment
