This piece was created for the first-ever International School of Kazan (ISK) student and faculty art show. ISK is located in Kazan, the largest city and capital of Tatarstan, a republic within Russia. Tatarstan boasts a long history of fierce individualism, independence, and a rich cultural heritage. The Tatars have continuously fought for their autonomy from various ruling powers, including the Tsars, the Communist Party, and the modern Russian state. Despite prolonged and bitter engagements with Tatar warriors, each of these groups has been compelled to offer varying degrees of autonomy to the Tatars. While there have been efforts to restrict their language and cultural practices, the Tatars have endured and preserved their identity.
In celebration of the resilience of the Tatar people and the fall of their oppressors, Brian Austin, the secondary art teacher at ISK, and I have created The Fall. Like my previous pieces, Enveloped and Untitled Dream, The Fall is a kinetic ball sculpture. However, unlike those earlier works, which were powered by motors, this piece is powered by the Tatar people themselves. Viewers are encouraged to remove a marble from the base of the sculpture and carry it up a staircase to the top. At the summit, viewers can choose from three paths, each leading to the same inevitable conclusion: the fall.
As the marble is released and travels down the sculpture, it encounters bumps along the way, symbolizing the obstacles and struggles faced by the Tatars throughout their history. Ultimately, the marbles come to rest in a discarded Soviet-era army hat, representing the defeat of past oppressors and the enduring spirit of the Tatar people.
This artwork attempts to blend childhood memories of making and tinkering with the strength and rich history of the Tatar people. The Fall offers viewers a chance to reflect on their own personal histories and the meaning of what it is to be Tatar. By engaging with the sculpture, viewers participate in a physical metaphor for the Tatar journey, experiencing firsthand the resilience and perseverance that have characterized Tatarstan's history.
The Fall is not just a kinetic sculpture; it is an interactive narrative that honors the enduring spirit of the Tatar people and invites reflection on the broader themes of identity, autonomy, and cultural survival. Through this piece, we hope to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Tatar struggle and triumphs, encouraging viewers to contemplate the universal quest for self-determination and cultural preservation.
