Venus Gravity

The artwork titled “Venus Gravity” was specifically created for an exhibition at the Jama Gallery in Ostrava.
"Venus gravity" refers to both the physical gravity of the planet Venus and the broader implications of the term "gravity," which in English can also denote dignity, significance, and seriousness. The term invokes attraction, evoking the irresistible charm associated with the goddess Venus, often depicted in art as an idealized yet passive beauty, contributing to a romanticized view of femininity. However, it's essential to remember Venus's more complex origins; she emerged from the sea foam when Cronus, following Gaia's orders, wounded Uranus and cast his genitals into the ocean. This duality reflects Venus's passionate nature, as she embodies both love and the fierceness of warriors and victory.

The Roman goddess of love has lent her name to prehistoric female figurines found across regions, from Western Europe to Siberia. One notable example was uncovered in Ostrava-Petřkovice. The figurine is crafted from hematite, a black stone that turns red when powdered. This hematite powder, symbolizing blood, was historically used as a dye in rituals. Ostrava also has ties to the later coal industry, although coal was originally utilized in fireplaces by the Paleolithic tribes that inhabited the area now known as the city.

The exhibition includes two large-format textiles showcasing the results of artistic research focused on Venus, presenting selected quotes and illustrations from various sources. The visual style resembles that of an old tabloid newspaper, characterized by attention-grabbing headlines and concise text. I chose the fabric medium due to its associations with women’s work, as well as its inherent softness and versatility, allowing it to serve as both a cover or a banner.

The double-sided textiles, displayed in the windows, can be viewed from both inside the gallery and from the street. The first fabric draws inspiration from the Venus figurine from Petřkovice (also known as Petřkovická Venuše or Landek Venus). It explores various interpretations regarding the meanings and origins of Paleolithic figurines and other early representations of Venus. The second fabric provides information about the planet Venus, often regarded by scientists as Earth’s twin; there are even hypotheses suggesting that life may have existed there in the past. Is Earth at risk of facing a fate similar to that of Venus? This fabric also includes details about the Mayans, who revered Venus as a war star, along with insights into the initial missions to Venus conducted under the Soviet Venera program.

Between the two textiles, a rotating mirror display is positioned on a pedestal. It features three stones: coal and two types of hematite. The hematite represents the material from which the Petřkovice Venus was made and is also a stone found in Venus's geological layers.