Totem means kinship, belonging. The totem is perceived as a being, as a protective spirit, as the ancestor of a person, of a clan.
The project is based on the idea of symbolizing the kinship of people of different origins, from all directions, through their shared preferences and influences in totems.
The existing wooden TOTEMS (a work of art in public space by YOLY and 2 fellow artists) still appear to the viewer in a familiar original form of a totem, but they also deviate from this original form, both in their appearance and in their message. For example, they may or may not be freed from the bark, they are painted or provided with QR codes for listening to music, or they are equipped with objects.
The message of this art project, these existing TOTEMS, to symbolize the kinship of people of different origins, from all directions, through their shared preferences and influences, is more relevant than ever.
The continuation and expansion of this existing art object through a circle with 6 more iron totems around the existing wooden totems also brings another important aspect - that of further development, evolution, of becoming-passing-becoming."
The metal totems are lined up around the wooden totems like a new era; the symbolism of the individual wooden totems is transferred to the iron totems, but the content is applied to the iron totems by the artists in a new form, with metal parts.
In a broader sense, the iron totems also reflect the ubiquitous pillars all over the world; we encounter them as huge bridge pillars or as sky-high skyscrapers, they connect us worldwide in their gigantic dimensions. The iron totems are also larger than the wooden totems.
The further development of the totem ancestor, the evolution of «becoming-perishing-becoming» leads to new building material, to a new form of existence and also to new symbolism; even if people's preferences or imprints have remained the same, they have changed, adapted to the times.
YOLY MAURER
Der Klingende Totem (The Sounding Totem) - is a friendly, people-connecting ancestor. It connects people with music, with new sounds, releasing uplifting emotions and joy.
Der Janus Totem (The Janus Totem) - is the attentive guardian spirit who keeps an eye on the future and the past.
BRIGITTE SPANBLÖCHEL-GLASS
Der Iduwi Totem - the protective spirit in the 21st century. It symbolizes our common origin, embraces and gives room for individuality. It invites us to contemplate, compare and see - mine and yours and ours.
Der Colos Totem - Colors have always had great significance for people from many cultures. They make changes in society visible, are symbolism, and through their direct access to the unconscious, they represent understanding and connection.
EVA INDRAK
Der Wahrnehmende Totem (The Perceiving Totem) - is alert, attentive and receptive. Its themes are the perception of truth and reality and tolerance towards other points of view.
Der Träumende Totem (The Dreaming Totem) - sleep is basic trust; sleep connects, although it separates. It is a protective spirit of sleep, of visions, of the personal life dreams, wishes and ideas of each individual person.
TOTEMS EVOLUTION
Blumengärten Hirschstetten, Vienna
andover of the TOTEMS EVOLUTION in the Blumengärten Hirschstetten (Hirschstetten flower gardens)
Despite a thunderstorm, the handover was successfully completed
Report from the handover on Donaustadt Magazin
TOTEMS EVOLUTION be together
«be together», the festival surrounding the art project TOTEMS EVOLUTION in the Hirschstetten flower gardens, is the conclusion of a work-in-progress project by the three artists Yoly Maurer, Eva Indrak and Brigitte Spanblöchel-Glass.
The process of completing the six iron totems began in fall 2024 and the art project is now complete and on permanent display in the public space.
At the end of the art project, guests and garden visitors will celebrate with music by the group FunkyTown, Kagraner Blasmusik and the three artists on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 3 pm.
Christian Stromberger, Chairman of Kulturkomission 22, and Jana Knoblich from the Hirschstetten flower gardens will speak at the opening.
The celebration around the TOTEMS EVOLUTION «be together» shows the three artists' unifying theme, namely the positive sides of togetherness.
This is the call to perceive together the individual approaches to life of each person with attention and appreciation and to enjoy with confidence the versatility of human perceptions, talents and abilities.
