Barbed Whire to Cherry Blossom

On the standing leg, the most unfinished surface of the sculpture, a barbed wire winds its way up the leg. Pieces of thin paper in pink and brown shows the slow transformation of the hard wire into a beautiful cherry blossom.

The symbolism of the cherry blossom is according to Buddhistic tradition the transient nature of life. In Japan the flowering is a great cultural event, and even the death of the flowers are celebrated, as it is seen as a promise of new flowering next spring rather than the end of this. Fallen flowers are associated with the souls of the dead warriors.

The barbed wire tattoo is a common symbol of having served time in prison. Often the number of barbs equals the number of years you have served.

My prison was never a physical prison, rather a psychological one. One created by my own fears and low self esteem. Slowly but surly the restrains fade and transform into a symbol of the transient nature of life, as I slowly start believing in myself and living in the moment. The fallen flowers on the pallet represent all the energy I have put into this transformation.