Echoes of Marble
This writing was first composed by Pablo Damian Cristi in April 2016 during his first visit to Carrara, with the remainder being written between 2015 and 2017.
“From a young age, I felt an inexplicable affinity for marble. From eight years old, My Aunt Chiche would show me images of Michelangelo Buonarroti's masterpieces. Even now, I recall the awe and respect with which she presented them, and I always believed deep down that I could create something similar without difficulty. When I finally embraced that calling, I discovered my inherent talent. Although there were false starts in my journey, akin to opening a door only to be frightened by what lies beyond and chaining it shut to avoid venturing further, I eventually succeeded. Now, having opened that door and crafted my first two marble works in the very heart of Carrara, a sculptor's dreamland, I can confirm that my intuition was right. I know marble intimately; it resonates with my soul, and its cool touch stabilises me. This reunion with marble after centuries of separation is beyond imagination. In these recent days, I have communed with it in ways I could never achieve with another human. I have returned, and I can never truly depart.”
Unveiling the Self in Anguish
“In moments of extreme emotions, such as anguish, our true selves are revealed when we are alone with our thoughts. Few possess the courage to confront this aspect of their being, and most prefer to seek temporary distractions that divert us from our core essence. But I know I exist within, somewhere deep inside me. I don't seek answers in the light; nothing is so exposed or hidden there. Experienced advisors may offer guidance without truly seeing, and they crash without pausing for thought. Anguish unveils me, tearing away the façade to expose my inner self. I am fragile, delicate, and permeable, yet that is who I am. And who are you?”
The Fragility of Seeking in the Absence of Light
"Anguish, akin to fragile glass, allows a fleeting moment of light to penetrate, illuminating the darkness and dispelling the illusion of emptiness. Only the fragile souls venture into that realm when the light dissipates. Only those who embrace their fragility can comprehend the possibility that they no longer exist, that they are no longer present in the same way. In that vulnerable state, one confronts the ultimate question of existence."
Embracing the Uncomfortable Ideal
"When our 'ideal' manifests itself in its fullest form, we cannot deny its presence nor flee from its influence. When that 'ideal' represents existence itself, the discomfort intensifies. It becomes increasingly challenging to coexist with the prevailing mediocrity, which remains impervious to our deepest desires and aspirations. We are forced to normalize the perversion that thrives in its decaying realm. This discomfort stems from an acute sensitivity that absorbs the tiniest stimuli, with no possibility of numbing our soul's nerve endings. It is an unconscious and at times involuntary imposition, arising solely from our extreme interiority. We subject every aspect of our being—our experiences, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and lives—to this inner scrutiny. The interiority that causes anguish is unsettling, but if we allow it to unfold without intentionality, accepting the outcome, we may come to understand the revelations that anguish can offer. We only need to prepare ourselves to truly see."
"In the depths of my journey, I have encountered the profound essence of marble, which has become an integral part of my being. Anguish has unveiled my true self and forced me to confront my fragility."