Mila Stoeva - Cocoons
The “Cocoon” project is a complete cycle of research and experiments whose aim is to examine the notional, plastic and aesthetic alteration of one and the same shape being variously situated.
The presented photo-material illustrates these changes as well as the stylistic alteration of the shapes, situated in various spaces.The cocoon is a bearer of various symbolical meanings. I do consider it an independently existing shape, out of its former status, as I only use its plastic values and symbolical messages.
The act of forming and closing up isn’t an object of my research. The life inside the cocoon concerns me as far as it is in a close symbiosis with the cocoon itself. Thus, I fall into the moment of outer stiffness and inner activity emphasizing on the tension of something that never came true and suspense. Nothing comes out of the cocoon - the sacrament of the creation is sheltered.The development into the cocoon is concealed, done in a close space, within naturally formed borders and for that very reason, coming out from our in-womb existence we emerge within our life’s borders. The cell symbolizes exactly this extremity of our existence. Exploring our own “cell” we come to know and determine ourselves. Liberty is an attribute of consciousness, it is achieved with soul and mind and that is why it isn’t affected by the cells we are put in.In a plastic aspect, the shape of the cocoon attracted me with its simplicity, perfection, solidity and at the same time with its ethereality. Observing them I found how different they were in their apparent sameness.The contrast between the cell and the cocoons is not only due to the clash dark-bright but also to the miscellaneous geometrical shapes – rotund – rectangular. The perception of ethereality, purity and spirituality of the cocoons are opposed to the hardness and materiality of the cell.The installation hangs in the air producing an impression for fragility of life. Life is not guaranteed and we all are unaware of its enigma.
Spirituality is the greatest treasure because liberty is achieved through it.
Mila Stoeva