Dasein Columns
The twin columns Dasein are objects of worship based on Indian Buddhist architecture. They are objects that command, that lord over, their environment and observer. This notion is reinforced by the Offering Table that acts as a barrier between observer and object. The observer is clearly intended to approach the objects humbly.
Dasein, in German philosophy is ‘being-in-the-world” and references to ‘Be’ to 'exist'. It is the “I am that I am.” It is the I am that I was, the I am that I am now, and the I am that I will be. It references the totality of being and existence specifically in relationship to the world through time. “We are closest of all to the being that we ourselves are and that we call the Dasein; for we are this being itself.”
The Offering Table is the humble earthly symbol that reminds us to kneel before powers greater than ourselves and is the link between the installation Offering and the Dasein columns.
The installation Offering is based on the Buddhist ritual practice of circumambulation where pilgrims make their way physically around a temple and encounter worship stations. One such common station is a low table where rice grains are laid out for the pilgrims to arrange in patters. Each new pilgrim adds to or changes the pattern of previous pilgrims.