object, cardboard, objekt, asphalt, foams, soft foam, wooden branches, wires, cables
dimensions 1.40 m x 1.70 m x 1.80 m, 2006
Social project and event. Exposing self to the feeling of inner and outer homelessness.
The nest is a living-size globe-like object set into the construction made of branches that is able to support to support, strengthen and wind it from outside. It is big enough for four people. It was made from thick card boards, piled and glued together. The top was fixed with asphalt cover that made it resistant to rain and wind. The interior was padded with soft foam, foams and old carpets to make it soft and comfortable. The object was located in front of the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava.
The nest represents the place of refuge, protection from danger, where a feeling of security is born. You can feel the privacy when sleeping under own hand-made shelter and can feel everything is all right. Things get the right way no matter what is going on outside. It is fine to know that you have to take care of it every day, so you not only care of your place, but also secure the feeling of safety.
In order to test its functionality and experience living in an alternative housing, I spent there two days – from June 6th to 8th. I experienced everything in there – I spent there nights, I ate and drank… I found out the homeless are well aware of the benefits of cardboard – it keeps the temperature by 3 to 5 °C higher than outside so it is not a problem to spent there a summer night at all. The warmth tended to accumulate inside so the night sleep was actually comfortable. The opening of about 70 cm offered a beautiful view of Austria. The view outside resembled an animated film – the reality kept going on outside while there was a whole new world inside. As the images and light varied, the clouds flew above, especially the night experience was highly expressive. I had to laugh when I realised I am at a rather luxurious and lucrative property. I was living in a nest, but in a rich district. The shelter like this could be built anywhere and probably with no permission if well hidden.