The Steel Beam
Suspended by a hangman’s noose, an aged and weathered steel beam hangs in a fragile balance. Despite its inherent strength, it shows signs of wear—damaged, rusted, burdened by time. Resting atop it, a magnetic European flag clings to the corroded surface, an unstable presence on an already precarious structure.The Steel Beam reflects the uncertainty of Europe today, caught between crises and shifting political landscapes. The weight of the Ukraine war, the shadow of past leaderships, and the specter of geopolitical instability place the continent in a delicate position—neither falling nor standing firm, merely suspended, waiting.The rope, crafted from hemp, evokes historical symbols of execution and judgment. It suggests a fate undecided: Is Europe on the verge of collapse, or will it regain its footing? The flag, held only by magnetism, speaks to alliances formed not by deep roots, but by forces that can shift and detach with time.This work embodies the tension of an era where power, stability, and identity feel increasingly fragile. It asks the viewer: How long can something remain in balance before gravity takes its toll?