For Each Extatic Instant

artist: Adele Cammarata

Detail of the interior of the chest with paper fragments of hands and faces.

The video shows various angles of the chest. Inside, it is covered with pistachio shells and mirrors. A lit collage is present inside, with an eye at the center.

Full image of the chest, containing pistachio shells, mirrors, and a papier-mâché sculpture inside.

J125 (1859) / F109 (1859)
For each ecstatic instant

 

For each ecstatic instant
We must an anguish pay
In keen and quivering ratio
To the extasy.

For each beloved hour
Sharp pittances of years –
Bitter contested farthings –
And coffers heaped with tears!

J125 (1859) / F109 (1859)
Per ogni estatico istante

 

Per ogni estatico istante
Dobbiamo pagare un’angoscia
In pungente e tremante rapporto
Con l’estasi.

Per ogni ora d’amore
Aguzze elemosine d’anni –
Amari spiccioli contesi –
E scrigni colmi di lacrime!

Close-up of an eye sculpture inside the chest.
Detail of the illuminated interior of the chest, with mirrors reflecting the main sculpture, creating various facets.

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