Idol & Venus

This work puts forward the idea of temporality and cultural transmission between the East and the West through two emblematic statues of these cultures: the Hama-Typus idol and the Venus de Milo.

The first part of the work transports us to the temple of Taffeh in Egypt where we see a Hama-Typus idol. This ancient female idol (2000-1600 BC) is a strong symbol of the culture of the Orontes, a region of the Near East that saw many exchanges with ancient Egypt. Turning around, it is transformed into the Venus de Milo.

Thus, the second part of the work refers to Greek antiquity, a period that has strongly influenced Western culture. The Venus de Milo is one of the most famous examples of ancient Greek sculpture and symbolizes the emergence of Western culture.

The time portal present in the artwork represents the idea that the cultural exchange between the East and the West is not a linear phenomenon, but rather a constant movement between these two cultures. This representation is meant to show that cultural influences are not a one-way street, but are the result of multiple interactions and exchanges.

Finally, the transformation and crumbling of the Hama-Typus idol into small stones evokes the fragility of traditions and the effect of time that can alter cultural practices. Similarly, the disintegration of the Venus de Milo recalls the idea that Western cultures can also be subject to change.