HUBERT KURKIEWICZ
The Shrine of Respect for the Fleeting Moment is an installation born out of the need to capture and
anchor oneself in the present. In today’s world — overstimulated, fast-paced, and constantly pressured by
productivity — it becomes increasingly difficult to truly be here and now. This work is an attempt to
symbolically outline a temporal frame for the upcoming moment through the simple act of lighting an incense
stick.
The object takes the form of a portable shrine that can either stand or be hung. At its center are incense
sticks whose burning time becomes a symbolic measure of the duration of a moment. That moment can be used for
work, rest, or play — but always with awareness that it unfolds within a defined ritual. Once the ritual ends,
the user can sweep away the ashes and remnants of the incense — this too is part of the process, reminding us
that every fleeting moment leaves a trace. The work emphasizes that respect for the moment also includes what
comes after it — reflection, summary, and responsibility.
A looping instructional film accompanies the shrine, shown on a screen next to the installation. In the pocket
on the right side, there is also a printed manual with a few simple steps guiding the user through the ritual of
caring for the moment.
The Shrine of Respect for the Fleeting Moment is the first in a series of shrines that will explore
various emotional, spiritual, and social needs.
