St. Ludmila, Melnik

Ludmila - strong woman - feminine principle and energy - softness - acceptance - horizontal. The veil is conceived as an object in the shape of a simple loop, but in the ordinary perspective of a person it is a spiral that rises upwards towards the sky. The shape of the object may also refer to the symbol of a fish, which is, however, pronounced mainly in the drawing from above, not in reality.

LUDMILA
In 882, Ludmila was baptized with her husband Bořivoj I, with whom she had at least six children. She raised her grandchildren Wenceslas and Boleslas from infancy, and after the death of her son Vratislav, she was entrusted with the upbringing of the future prince Wenceslas. Drahomíra, Ludmila's daughter-in-law, ruled the country in Wenceslas's place until he was able to rule. The dispute between the two women and their supporters intensified. According to legend, Ludmila was strangled by Drahomíra's servants Tunna and Gommon with her own veil on Tetín. Ludmila was canonized in the 12th century, and the veil became her symbol and tribute.

MYSTERIOUS GLOW
The veil is designed from a white, or rather light, concrete mixture, and luminescent particles will be contained inside the concrete object. During the day, the white object will contrast with the darker surroundings, and at night it will mysteriously glow with white light without being connected to electricity.

GRAPHICS ON THE VEIL
The graphic motif by Míla Fürstová is located at the upper end of the veil and refers to the behavior of the fabric, or rather, the textile. The graphic flows smoothly from the upper surface to the side or vice versa. The graphic itself is conceived as a ribbon showing the life of Ludmila and also her grandson Václav, who can be seen as a continuation of Ludmila's energy, her understanding of the universe. With understandable graphics, the object addresses people, wants to address children, shows the patron saint of grandmothers.

MATERIALS
The choice of contemporary and progressive materials such as luminescent, white concrete is based on the perception of Ludmila as a progressive woman who accepted Christianity with her husband and her further actions and direction of her grandson Václav determined the further development of the country. The designed “Veil” shows Ludmila's strength, determination and fortitude.