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Peter Daniel :
EMET - MET - EMET

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St. Pölten, 1993
Institut für jüdische Geschichte Österreichs, Dr. Karl-Renner-Promenade 22, 3100 St. Pölten

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The object of neon tubing in the window of the synagogue shows the Hebrew word 'Emet'. The first letter of the word blinks rhythmically but briefly to form a new word with a different meaning: 'Emet-Met-Emet' (Truth-Death-Truth).

In his concern with language, the artist shapes it into poetic neon letter sculptures. His work therefore lies somewhere between literature and visual art. At the synagogue in St. Pölten, Peter Daniel has installed an object composed of neon fluorescent tubes bearing the Hebrew letters of the word for truth, 'Emet'. At rhythmic intervals, the first letter of the word is extinguished, producing another meaning: Emet-Met-Emet = Truth-Death-Truth. In keeping with its significance, this symbolic memorial was installed in the window of the synagogue.