Permanently installed along the Alba Iulia section of the
Via Transilvanica trail, Romania (2022–)
This work was created for the Via
Transilvanica long-distance trail during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the sculpted stone was to be placed in Alba Iulia county, I chose to
depict four stylized figures (inspired by official signage, such as traffic and
emergency exit signs) holding hands. The piece critiques the term “social
distancing,” proposing “physical distancing” as a more accurate and
socially healthy alternative. Designed as a site-specific project, it
acknowledges Alba Iulia as the historic site of the Great Union, while
also referencing the pandemic restriction on gatherings, which limited groups
to four people. This context gives meaning to the Romanian title, “Hora
Unirii – Maxim Patru” (“The Union Dance – Maximum Four”).
