In The Contemplative or The Speculative a felt tapestry with cutout text ist placed at short distance from the wall and highlighted by a spotlight, casting its shadow on the wall behind. The spotlight emphasizes the textile materiality while making the text illegible. The words can only be deciphered by looking at their shadow. Defined by the presence or absence of light, the tapestry serves as both, screen and projector, with the light merging together the two levels of the image.

 
 

The Contemplative or The Speculative, 2013

Cutout text on felt, spotlight 200 x 681 cm Image 1: Installation view at Giò Marconi, Milan, 2013 © Rosa Barba Image 2: Installation view at MUSAC, Léon, Spain, 2013 © Rosa Barba Image 3: Installation view at CAC Vilnius, 2014 © Rosa Barba