Šūtum (2024). Slava Romanov

Mixed media installation. Self developed Galvo UV laser, photochromic foil and dye, stone, paper.

Intention and Concept:

“Šūtum” is a mixed media installation that reflects on the impermanence of laws, norms, and their interpretations. Utilizing an ultraviolet laser and photochromic pigments, the artwork projects ephemeral images of ancient laws onto a stone surface. These images gradually disappear, symbolizing the fragility and mutability of human constructs over time.

The title “Šūtum,” meaning “south wind” in the Akkadian language, symbolizes change and transformation. The south wind represents forces of change, juxtaposing impermanence and permanence, and highlighting the tension between the transient and the enduring.

The installation references the Code of Hammurabi, created around 1754 BCE, and the talion principle (“an eye for an eye”), with cuneiform texts appearing and fading on the stone. The use of the Akkadian language, spoken approximately between 2500 and 1000 BCE and once the lingua franca of the ancient Near East connects the work to its historical context. This serves as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of history and the enduring questions about justice and retribution.

The artwork embodies ephemerality through the transient light carvings that appear and vanish on the stone surface. Using the ancient cuneiform script and the Akkadian language, “Šūtum” bridges the past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on how historical constructs influence contemporary society. The interplay of light and stone creates a visual metaphor for the illusion of permanence in human institutions, emphasizing the fragile nature of what we consider enduring truths.

Site-/Context-Relation:

“Šūtum” was installed in the old entrance hall of the former Ratskeller at Rathaus Buer—a dusty, cobweb-laden space bearing traces of ancient times. This setting enhanced the artwork’s themes by recreating the atmosphere of a discovered fragment from the past, symbolized by the stone illuminated with flashlights. The historical and somewhat forgotten location is used for immersing the viewers in a space where the echoes of history are palpable.

In the context of the “Handle With Care” project—aimed at addressing complex and sensitive topics while overcoming self-imposed limitations—the installation engages with profound questions of justice and perception. Through the interaction of medium and material, “Šūtum” invites contemplation on the continuity and transformation of societal norms.