Top of the World
If you happen to go to Prague, find five minutes to enter the Municipal Library, which is located on Platnéřská, just a short walk from the Clock and all the major tourist circuits. Just cross the threshold and climb a few steps to find yourself in the presence of Idiom, a beautiful installation by Slovak artist Matej Kren.It is a cylindrical tower composed of an immense number of books that, thanks to a tear-shaped opening located on one side of the installation and a magnificent optical effect created by two mirrors placed inside, manages to create the sensation of plunging into an infinite vortex.An irresistible rainbow of colors able to establish a bond with every visitor, even if he or she is not fond of reading.Idiom was created by Slovak artist Matej Kren, who is famous for creating his gigantic environments made up exclusively of books.These include the little house of books entitled "Book Call Project" placed in the Modern Art Center in Lisbon and "Passage," a wall of volumes installed in the Bratislava City Gallery.Idiom's installation, before finding its permanent home at the entrance to the Prague Library in 1998, was exhibited at the 1995 São Paulo International Biennial.Books constitute and construct this work of art, but at the same time, taken one by one, they invite to be opened and known. And, I assure you, walking out of the Library, one has the feeling of diving into the well, almost like Alice in her Wonderland.
