Big Be-Hide

Big Be-Hide, which is located on Parrulaituri, consists of a natural rock and a metallic copy thereof that are symmetrically placed on both sides of a two-sided mirror. Depending on how it is approached, the mirror either reflects or creates an illusion of transparency; it both hides and supplements. The environment reflected in the mirror creates a portal between landscapes and realities.

The work prompts one to think about similarity and dissimilarity and the possibilities of parallel worlds. According to Alicja Kwade, our everyday world is based on social contracts that we create out of our observations. Our understanding of reality and things that we consider to be absolute truths is flawed, as it is built upon the limitations of our senses.

Kwade’s works explore our relationship with nature, our place in the universe and constant change as broader philosophical questions. They challenge us to question our observations and perception of the surrounding reality.

The work belongs to the City of Helsinki’s art collection, which is managed and curated by HAM.