Symone Salib, The Weight of Patterns, 2024
The Weight of Patterns is an interactive sculpture, designed as a space for release, reflection, and transformation. Influenced by Salib’s training as a trauma-informed facilitator, “The Weight of Patterns” centers a vessel for sharing and shedding personal grief toward collective healing. Through audience participation, Salib aims to “invite participants to confront their personal histories while recognizing that we each hold the power to decide what to keep, what to release, and when we are ready to do so.” The painted skin of the urn is coated with pulped paper responses from participants in Salib’s neighborhood workshops with Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, a Philadelphia non-profit that supports the pursuit and affirmation of Arab American cultural identity.
Surrounding the vessel are textiles inspired by Egyptian and Coptic patterns — a nod to Salib’s Cuban-Egyptian heritage. These patterns are mirrored on the surface of the form, shifting away from Salib’s historically figurative work in large scale murals and illustration. “The Weight of Patterns” welcomes viewers, making them feel at home while inviting moments of pause and catharsis.
Inviting Your Participation
The Weight of Patterns includes the traditional sculptural form of an urn, a shape tied to grief and loss. As a visitor, you are welcome to write down something you wish to release–an emotion, memory or something you carry with you. Following the exhibition, Salib will reincorporate responses into pulp clay for use in her practice. As a contributor, you may drop it into the vessel yourself, or a gallery staff member can assist.
Materials: Wood, paper clay, paint, cotton
Credits
Project manager: Gina Ciralli
Symone Salib is a first generation Cuban/Egyptian street artist, muralist, and trauma informed educator based out of Philadelphia. Through paint and illustration she works to highlight the lives of people across Philadelphia since 2017. She focuses on vibrantly sharing the stories of people in hopes we can connect and resonate with humans who are different from ourselves. She strives to spread joy and create a space where people are not only seen but heard and valued.
Follow Symone Salib on Instagram @symonesalibstudio to learn more.
Lead support for the Monument Lab Artist Residency is provided by the William Penn Foundation, with additional support from the Ogilvie Family Foundation. In-kind support has been provided by Urban Art Projects (UAP). Programmatic partners include Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture and Spiral Q.
Image Credits
Symone Salib, The Weight of Patterns, 2024, Paradigm Gallery, Philadelphia PA, Held: A Monument Lab Residency Exhibition (photo: Steve Weinik)