Echoes of Unseen Spaces
Sheldon Saliba
Curator: Sara Dedić
Magic Carpets 2024 – Year 3
The 2024 curatorial theme focuses on semi-public and liminal spaces, examining their significance and potential within the local community. Building upon the concept of activating spaces through New (Un)discovered Spaces, which explored the artistic and cultural capacities of public, semi-public, and private spaces in Novi Naselje, the notion of liminal spaces was further developed. These spaces are not limited to physical, tangible locations but also encompass abstract spaces – those existing on the borders of memory or in states of transition, defying definition. This layered conceptual approach probes both the material and immaterial dimensions of space, revealing their roles in shaping community-environment relationships and cultural identity.
In a time when land is often regarded as an economic commodity, Sheldon Saliba’s project Echoes of Unseen Spaces raises critical questions about spatial rights and the identities shaping our perception of nature. By engaging with liminal spaces, the work examines the interplay between human and non-human entities, focusing on the meadows and open areas of Novi Naselje. Situated within a green belt amidst a brutalist block of buildings, the intervention challenges conventional notions of ownership, inviting reflection on land as a shared resource rather than mere private property.
The intervention involves marking a section of the meadow using orange tape and wooden markers, transforming the space into both a visual and conceptual platform. This symbolic act disrupts traditional views of land as solely a human resource, prompting the Novo Naselje community to reconsider its relationship to the land. The installation asserts that land is more than property – it is a collective asset, requiring care and responsibility.
What makes Echoes of Unseen Spaces especially poignant is its focus on non-human entities – ecosystems, animal species, and natural processes intricately connected to human life. In a world where land use is often dictated by human needs, the installation underscores the necessity of considering all life forms in discussions of ownership and stewardship. This shift in perspective invites us to see land as a common good, shared among human and non-human communities alike.
The work envisions a future where human and non-human interests coexist and intertwine. The meadows of Novi Naselje become active sites where questions of ownership and use are continuously negotiated. This vision challenges us to explore critical questions: Who truly owns the land? How can spaces equitably serve all communities dependent on them?
As part of the installation, the marked meadow is adorned with flags representing various communities, emphasizing their presence and rights. These flags, featuring simple symbolic designs, invite visitors to reflect on their connection to the space. A community drawing panel further encourages dialogue and imagination, allowing participants to express visions for the meadow. Should it remain a meadow, evolve into an urban forest, or transform into something else entirely?
Echoes of Unseen Spaces is more than an artistic statement on spatial relationships – it is an ethical exploration of ownership and responsibility. This installation is a call to action, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life forms and the shared duty to coexist with the spaces we inhabit. By challenging the boundaries of ownership, Saliba’s work urges the Novo Naselje community to envision a future where all beings, human and non-human, have a stake in the shared environment.
Curatorial text by Sara Dedić