Becoming Alphabet (2023)

In Katarina Zdjelar’s work Becoming Alphabet, the sculptural glass pieces refer to the Latin alphabet, but also evoke the sense of an alphabet being created or rediscovered – perhaps representing forgotten or unknown forms of expression. The forms seem to resemble a dance or a fragmented sentence composed of ‘orphan signs’ – symbols or letters that stand alone or lack connection to established systems.

Becoming Alphabet is an independent installation, but also enters into dialogue with Zdjelar’s installation Not A Pillar Not A Pile (Dance for Dore Hoyer) as the colors used in the glass pieces refer to the colors of the backdrop and the costumes of the dancers. These colors where once used in patterns created by women workers of the Pausa textile factory in Germany.