Vienna-based artist Asya Marakulina examines the shared histories inherent in old apartment buildings and row houses through her ongoing ceramic series, There Was a Home. Documenting remnants left on adjacent homes after demolitions, she captures traces of domestic life, such as wallpaper and children's rooms, that become publicly visible. These observations echo the emotional weight of memories and histories tied to architecture, leading to profound reflections on war and loss, especially regarding current conflicts affecting communities like Ukraine.
Since houses in the 19th century were built without gaps between them, when one house is torn down, the neighboring house often bears traces of the demolished one.
What touches and affects me the most in images of ruined houses are the traces of wallpaper, tiles, and children's rooms, which suddenly become visible to the entire street.
Maybe that's why these images captivate me so much because a part of someone's inner, domestic life is suddenly turned inside-out and put on public display.
The ceramic cross-sections take on a portrait-like quality, capturing straightforward views of multistory edifices that are simultaneously immediate and intimate.
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