Lili Panjtar (SI)

AIR is colorless, odorless, and tasteless; it is invisible. It is a composition of gases that makes up Earth’s atmosphere. Oxygen in the air is vital for all living beings. The composition of air changes with altitude; at higher elevations, the air is thinner. As depth increases, air supply becomes more difficult.

I explore the hard labor of the Idrija miners deep beneath the surface, in damp, dark, dangerous mining tunnels. How raw it is – to survive almost your entire life in the deep blackness of tunnels, in the lack of air – to be exposed to harsh conditions and materials – to have luck when mining ore and, at the same time, misfortune as mercury slowly poisons you. To give away your youth in the tunnels and never know what the day brings – will you come back up, to open air? Or will you remain in the darkness forever? I am looking for contrasts and parallels – above/below, light/dark, in open air/lack of air.

Deep in the tunnels of Idrija, they also mined cinnabar ore. It reminds me of the rust that forms during the corrosion of iron when it is exposed to the elements. With the help of oxygen/oxidation and moisture, I obtain a permanent color that forever leaves its mark on the raw core fabric. Like the mine on the miner. I feel deep respect for these men who, as boys, descended into the pit. Into the dark. Into the blackness.