The Gift
"The Gift” scultpure by Beatriz Gerenstein, was shown during the 58th Venice Biennale 2019. This exhibition was organized by the European Cultural Centre. Gerenstein presented "The Gift" in a dedicated room in the 2nd floor of the Palazzo Mora.
The Concept
"The Gift" is crafted from stainless steel and an organic twisted manila rope, resembling a paper-wrapped box tied with string.
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When we encounter "The Gift," it stirs something within us, raising many questions. What is inside this box? Is it truly a gift, and if so, is it meant for me or someone else? What might I discover if I open it? What fears and desires could I hide within?
Each viewer imagines their own gift inside. Beatriz Gerenstein's sculpture invites introspection, prompting us to think, feel, and better understand ourselves. It makes us reflect on our desires to receive, give, and share.
Gerenstein aims to offer everyone who engages with her work a moment of reflection and dreaming, a brief oasis of desire. She hopes viewers will find healing, and leave with a smile that spreads peace, joy, and love.
The sculpture's shiny stainless steel surface is constantly changing, reflecting colors and lights and projecting distorted images and altered realities. "The Gift" both receives and gives. The reflective, uneven surface personalizes each face that gazes into it, forcing viewers to recognize that perceptions of themselves, like the desires inside the box, are self-constructed and influenced by others' observations.
The organic, warm manila rope is a key element, balancing the cold, hard shine of the stainless steel. The rope keeps the box closed, creating psychological tension that can only be resolved by breaking the structure, untying the knot, and opening the box to reveal its secrets. Will we have the courage to do it? Surely, we will!
The Installation
"The Gift" was displayed in a specially dedicated room on the second floor of Palazzo Mora. The space featured walls, floor, and ceiling all painted in pure white and bathed in bright light. The sculpture was set on a white pedestal, creating a high-key lighting box that emphasized its optimistic, upbeat, and youthful message.
