Emerging from early '90s explorations into grid structures, repetition, and language, I delved into unconventional materials like barbed wire, labels, and encaustic paint (wax). Through this experimentation, I scrutinized the significance of labels in society, their practical applications, and their implications for both objects and individuals.

Intrigued by encaustic's historical roots and scarcity of ready-made options, I took to making my own encaustic paint.

 The ‘Destination Unknown’ works came from this period, shown alongside the "Parcel-works" in my inaugural solo exhibition, "Gridworks," held at Northampton Museum.

Simultaneously with the Gridworks Exhibition, I received an invitation to participate in a group exhibition ‘Pushing Against the Wire’ curated by Barry G Nicols at the Roadmender in Northampton. I created an installation titled "Destination Unknown," comprising of simple geometric crosses made from barbed wire, each had a label featuring the rubber-stamped phrase "Destination Unknown" under a coat of encaustic paint.

Two days following the debut of both exhibitions, I left for a year-long stay in Barcelona. Prior to my departure, I made a final visit to the Destination Unknown Installation and was taken aback to find a woman standing beside it, tears streaming down her face. Sensing her distress, I approached her and we had a conversation. As we spoke, she shared her story with me.

 Vera had endured the horrors of Auschwitz concentration camp as a young girl, surviving against all odds. With the camp's liberation, she embarked on a gruelling journey, walking hundreds of miles to return to her Polish home, only to discover that only one member of her family had survived.

Hearing her story, I expressed my regret that the artwork had caused her pain. Her response, perhaps the most genuine compliment I've ever received, moved me deeply. Among other things, Vera praised the piece for its moving simplicity, noting the profound significance conveyed by the label and its contents.

That day, I learned a profound lesson: while an artist may create a work with specific intentions or ideas in mind, they cannot anticipate the diverse perspectives and personal experiences that each viewer brings to their interpretation of the artwork.

After my return from Barcelona, I became more acquainted with Vera, I always felt privileged that she had shared her story with me the day we met.  May she rest in peace.

Linda Sgoluppi Art