The idea of the « Attention » brooch emerged during the challenging days of 2023, amidst Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which plunged the country into blackout darkness.

Darkness, both literal and symbolic, enveloped the population, as people resorted to wearing reflectors simply to be noticed and avoid danger on a road.

I chose a vehicle reflector for this piece to encapsulate the urgency of visibility—both as a means of survival and as a call to the world. Inspired by the philosophies of Sartre and Cooley, the brooch serves as a beacon, underscoring the critical role of recognition in our identity, safety, and, by extension, humanity’s collective security.

« Attention » reflects the fragility of global security. It emphasizes that neglecting the plight of one nation under threat endangers broader humanitarian principles. As a piece for « Shining Despair » this brooch transforms despair into an emblem of resilience, adaptability, and the interconnectedness that binds us.

It is a warning and a witness—a quiet yet urgent reminder that ignoring this ongoing conflict risks eroding the fabric of humanistic values and global solidarity.