Ziggurat, 2024
wood, 168 x 106 x 93 cm
production: artist
photos: Kristina Karaičić
ZIGGURAT is a sculptural work that addresses the complex interaction between architecture, recycling, and social issues.Constructed from reclaimed materials, the piece evokes the form of a ziggurat — a stepped pyramid that historically symbolized both spiritual ascent and societal hierarchy. Nikolić’s use of the ziggurat form is not merely aesthetic but deeply symbolic. Historically, ziggurats were monumental structures that represented the convergence of divine and earthly realms. In the context of the sculpture, this form is reimagined to comment on the fragility of contemporary societal structures. The use of recycled materials — often associated with marginalized communities —further emphasizes themes of disposability and resilience. Through its form and materials, the sculpture invites viewers to reflect on the fragility of home, the resilience of displaced communities, and the political structures that shape our urban landscapes. In doing so, it transforms the ziggurat from an ancient symbol of power into a contemporary emblem of resistance and hope.