Plegaria Muda is the artist's "prayer" for those people who, in situations of poverty, have no voice to speak of their existence, and hence appear not to exist. However, Salcedo maintains that the piece holds a more uplifting sentiment in its proclamation of the enduring nature of hope. The plants grow to symbolise life and resurrection with Salcedo stating, "I hope that, in spite of everything, even in difficult conditions, life may win… as happens in Plegaria Muda".
The installation is a living work of art with the smell of the damp earth and the fresh grass combined with the labyrinth disposition of the tables that discourages set paths, arranged in order to immerse the audience in an intense and all-encompassing experience involving the mind, body and senses.
Doris Salcedo: Plegaria Muda
MAXXI
Rome
Through 24 June 2012
