Alana Ruben

Presence=Present

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Human presence catalyzes transformation. Visitors entered the 8-foot-tall (2.5 metre) aluminum egg weighing half a metric ton (1,100 pounds) to experience “Presence=Present,” a two minute ritual. Visitors were invited to say the following text – “I love you / I trust you / I respect you / I appreciate your presence in my life.” So often in families these loving words are not spoken aloud.

One of the most important and brilliant art pieces we had… It’s a very updated medium, unconventional; it’s an installation and a performance coming together. - Ram Ozeri, founder of the Jerusalem Biennale

It’s a magical space and process. It opens people’s hearts; it opens their imagination.

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Audience Reviewers

“Thank you again for reminding me what is important.”
“How wonderful to have two minutes of peace in this time of turmoil.”
“Strong but at the same time welcoming and soothing.”
“My husband held my hand and said some of the nicest things he has ever said to me.”
“A place to reconnect with myself.”
“A new symbol of intimacy.”
“Sitting down in the egg immediately grounded me. I felt more calm as my breathing slowed down.”
“Wow! Inspiring!”
“Gave me a more optimistic outlook.”
“It’s as if I am in the womb of my mother and it feels like armor.”
“I gathered good energy.”
“2 minutes of peace.”
“We did our vows again.”
“We had a little cuddle, too. Lovely!”
“Speaking words of acceptance and love seemed natural in this environment.”
“The affirmations fill the egg and overflow into the surrounding space.”
“Thoughts jumped back and forth like sparks.”
“I came out of the two minutes smiling and serene, like after a serene satisfying journey.”
“What a beautiful idea executed beautifully.”
“The questions bring up very deep parts of yourself.”
“Thank you for providing a space of gratitude and appreciation.”
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