White Flowers

In 1965 a Tatar author Abdurakhman Absalyamov wrote a novel called «White Flowers» about the doctors' work and their constant struggle for human lives. The writer compared them with white flowers (because of the white coats doctors are wearing as a uniform). Thanks to this metaphor, white flowers have become a symbol of doctors in Tatarstan.

«White Flowers» art composition is based on the COVID-19 pandemic, which heavily affected the life of every single person. We learned what self-isolation and keeping the distance are, we have become more attentive to each other's health. Doctors' work has taken on a new meaning, including heroism, risks and commitment. Reacting to these changings, people experience new emotions, such as gratitude, faith and respect. The art-objects reflect the feelings and emotions each of us had during the pandemic.

We started to search for a recognizable image, which stands for healing and associated with faith and hope for the better. In August 2020 anthropologists and botanists of the project had an expedition to the villages close to Almetyevsk. Scientists explored natural landscapes and inquired local people about the flora of the area. At the same time an expert of the project Alfrid Bustanov looked into text sources and the areas around Almetyevsk.

The result of two expeditions was a white crocus, a symbol of healing and hope for the better. Crocus is also called saffron, which plays an important role in Sufi medicine. The description of its medicinal properties can be found in Egyptian texts and Chinese medical books. A three-part art composition «White Flowers» appeared at the intersection of the metaphor from Absalyamov's book and symbolic meaning of crocuses. It can be seen now at the Central District Hospital of Almetyevsk.

A three-part composition «White Flowers» appeared on the territory of the Central District Hospital of Almetyevsk in October 2020. Artworks were created specially for those who come into the hospital or stay inside, and for whom the view from the window is the only connection with the outside world.

Windows of the hospital are a kind of a portal for people inside and outside. While the work was in full swing (the authors were installing the «Veil» artwork, residents of Almetyevsk were planting crocuses, and Ivan Ninety was working on his mural), only one thing remained unchanged: meetings through the windows. Window gives an opportunity to see a loved one, regardless of the floor. Patients' relatives peered into the windows to see familiar faces and talk to their beloved ones using the phones or ajar windows.