Undergoing a challenging period I sought solace and inspiration at the Staatsbibliothek Berlin. One day, while sitting in the library's foyer, which offers a view of the street through large panoramic windows, I noticed a construction fence enclosing an almost withered tree. At that moment, Lesya Ukrainka's poem "CONTRA SPEM SPERO!" came to mind. Written during a time of serious illness, this poem, which translates to "hope against all hope" in Latin, reflects on resilience and hope in the face of despair. It aims to inspire people to resist even when there seems to be no way out. In this way, the intervention reminds people that when faced with numerous life challenges, both personally and collectively, what else but hope can guide us through the darkest of times?

180 cm x 1400 cm, aluminium tape on a fence

Intervention created with the kind support of Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin and Jochen Hartmann

CONTRA SPEM SPERO!

Polina Stohnushko, Intervention CONTRA SPEM SPERO!, 2024, Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Berlin, Photo: Polina Stohnushko

Thoughts away, you heavy clouds of autumn!
For now springtime comes, agleam with gold!
Shall thus in grief and wailing for ill-fortune
All the tale of my young years be told?

No, I want to smile through tears and weeping.,
Sing my songs where evil holds its sway,
Hopeless, a steadfast hope forever keeping,
I want to live! You thoughts of grief, away!

On poor sad fallow land unused to tilling
I'll sow blossoms, brilliant in hue,
I'll sow blossoms where the frost lies, chilling,
I'll pour bitter tears on them as due.

And those burning tears shall melt, dissolving
All that mighty crust of ice away.
Maybe blossoms will come up, unfolding
Singing springtime too for me, some day.

Up the flinty steep and craggy mountain
A weighty ponderous boulder I shall raise,
And bearing this dread burden, a resounding
Song I'll sing, a song of joyous praise.

In the long dark ever-viewless night-time
Not one instant shall I close my eyes,
I'll seek ever for the star to guide me,
She that reigns bright mistress of dark skies.

Yes, I'll smile, indeed, through tears and weeping
Sing my songs where evil holds its sway,
Hopeless, a steadfast hope forever keeping,
I shall live! You thoughts of grief, away!

(translated by Vera Rich)