"ramum tenerum infra praecidito" - “cut the tender branch below."

In Friedrich Nietzsche's influential work, "On Truth and Lie in an Extra-Moral Sense," he reflects on the nature of language and concepts, suggesting that words, in their attempt to capture diverse experiences, inevitably become a collection of unequal and imprecise cases. This profound insight lays the groundwork for an exploration of the multifaceted concept of "tenderness."

"Tenderness" is complex, blending fragility, affection, sweetness, and compassion. Its meaning is subjective, holding both delicate sensitivity and darker shades like jealousy and power. Like a hidden treasure buried under layers, tenderness emerges in difficult terrain, balancing softness with strength, delicacy with endurance.

The orchid, known for its striking beauty and fascinating origins, is the focus of this project. According to legend, Orchis was a passionate youth who was turned into a flower as punishment for his actions. The orchid symbolizes both beauty and tragedy, hinting at a deeper story about power and the contrast between beauty and ugliness.

In my project, I feature an orchid alongside a slightly off-key sound composition, which reflects the complexity of both the flower's story and the meaning of tenderness.

With this installation, I invite viewers to think about the connections between language, symbolism, and human relationships, and to explore how tenderness can be both fragile and strong at the same time.

- 2020

- multimedia installation