Aj Vana Be

Benedikt Tolar (CZ)

Circular Art & The Value of Water

AJ VANA BE is a monumental artistic response to one of the most pressing issues of our time: water as a precious, vanishing resource. Standing at nearly seven meters tall, this striking "living statue" is constructed from 32 reclaimed enamel bathtubs—symbols of domesticity and cleansing repurposed into a powerful totem.

The work bridges the gap between raw industrial upcycling and spiritual symbolism. By stacking objects associated with the "standard" life of the socialist era, Tolar creates a vertical journey from the mundane to the celestial. It is a playful yet thought-provoking reflection on surplus, scarcity, and our eternal longing for purity.

Installation Highlights

Monumental Urban Intervention: Standing at 6.5 meters, it provides an unavoidable vertical landmark that transforms the skyline of any festival site.
Playful Interaction: The installation is open for exploration; visitors (both children and adults) can enter the structure, experiencing a unique acoustic and light environment from within.
Sustainability Narrative: As a masterpiece of upcycling, it serves as an excellent case study for festivals aiming to highlight ecological responsibility and "circular art" practices.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions: Height 6.5m (6.7m with base); Diameter 2m.
Materials: 32 upcycled enamel bathtubs, steel, rubber.
Technology: 32 integrated LED lights and synchronized audio system.
Weight: 2 tons (statue) + 1.6 tons (base).
Load Requirement: 225kg / 1 sq.m.

Selected Exhibitions

Fête des Lumières Lyon, Copenhagen Light Festival, Canary Wharf Winter Lights, Lichtfestival Gent, Constellations de Metz