The Square of Thoughts
The animated visualization complements Artur Ptak’s works from the series “The Square of Thoughts. From Allegory to The Author’s Sign”, faithfully capturing their character, principles, and deep Christian symbolism that permeates every aspect of his creations. It serves not merely as a film but as an integral part of the artistic narrative that expands on the themes explored by Ptak, while also reflecting my own ideas and spiritual reflections.
A key concept that guided me in creating this visualization is the confrontation of divine action. I wanted to present a vision of God who is eternal and acts beyond time, yet simultaneously operates within time. The chronology in this work may seem unconventional, but this is an intentional choice. By doing so, I aimed to highlight the ambiguity of divine action—its multiplicity of meanings—and at the same time, the coherence and consistency of each stage in God’s eternal activity within the passing nature of time. This idea reflects the intricate relationship between eternity and temporality, where the infinite transcends but also enters time.
The visualization touches on themes of creation, incarnation, and redemption. However, these motifs are not presented in a chronological sequence. Just as creation is an act of divine intervention, a calling forth into existence, incarnation similarly becomes the moment of divine entrance into the world. The same can be said of redemption, which marks another instance of God’s engagement with humanity. These events, though distinct, are all intertwined, showing God’s continuous and purposeful action throughout time. Each phase of this divine journey, reflected in the visualization, emphasizes the unity of these processes, revealing the timelessness of God’s creative and redemptive work, even as it unfolds in human history.
The music of Michał Jacaszek – the composition “Powoli”, plays a key role in strengthening this meditative reflection. Atmospheric soundscapes create a space for contemplation, highlighting the themes and symbolism presented in the visualization. Music and visuals work together to invite viewers not only to witness the unfolding of divine action, but also to engage with it on a deeper, more reflective level.
The video accompanied the exhibition of Artur Ptak’s works, becoming an essential part of the artistic experience. It complements and expands the interpretive space of his creations, allowing viewers to enter into a deeper dialogue with Christian symbolism and the role of divine action in both cultural and temporal contexts. This visual journey forms a cohesive narrative, blending art, theory, and sound to explore the profound connection between God’s timeless essence and His action within time, inviting contemplation on the deeper mysteries of faith. The exhibition took place at the Museum of Cultural Dialogue, a branch of the National Museum in Kielce.
