KneelingBlock

“kneeling” on Google yields 6.7 million results. It is a testament to the fact that the act of kneeling appears cross-culturally, throughout the ages, and has diverse uses. This posture most often symbolizes an act of submission, as in kneeling before a higher power. From its use in ritual to sexual positions, and execution to “kneeling chairs” in offices, this body position is mostly associated with a surrender of our selves.

KneelingBlock is cast in “yellow” transparent resin, and has two hollow molds in which the knees can be placed. It can be positioned in front of a wall, or be free-standing, and "engages" by its visual and physical draw.

Visitors are invited to kneel on the block, whereby they will face only the blank wall (or empty space) immediately in front of them. The experience of the work is a keen awareness of oneself and one’s own association with kneeling. There is nothing devotional about this, no sacred object to kneel in front of, and no superior to pay respect to. It has no purpose other than to activate this particular moment in a context where the very personal act of kneeling is done with the intention to address the visitor’s unique relationship to this posture. Partaking in the work, is as important as the conscious rejection of not kneeling.