Timothée Pignoux

ZONE

A journey to self-discovery and healing 

ZONE is an immersive installation that explores identity, trauma, and self-discovery through a layered narrative intertwining fiction and reality. At the heart of the project lies a novel, In Search of Light, which serves as the key to understanding the story in its entirety. The novel introduces Andreï, a fictional character drawn back to the ruins of Azovstal, a former industrial site in Mariupol, Ukraine. Through his journey, the novel delves into themes of struggle, resilience, and renewal, introducing supporting characters—The Scientist, The Artist, and The Craftsman—each representing distinct facets of creativity, knowledge, and skill. Together, they navigate the metaphoric "Zone," a realm of transformation and healing. 

The exhibition unfolds in three distinct acts. The first act, a film titled Echoes, visualizes the connection between Timothée, the artist, and Andreï, his creation. Presented on dual screens, the fragmented narrative reveals their shared struggles with loss, anxiety, and identity, setting the stage for the journey that follows. 

The second act, Chaos and Clarity, explores the Timothée’s creative process. This act is presented in a separate room, closed off to the audience during the film, with carefully arranged tables that metaphorically reflect the mind's effort to organize chaos into clarity, much like The Scientist. At the end, viewers can physically enter this space to tangibly explore the sketches, models, and concepts that shaped the project. 

The final act, Faces of Renaissance, centers on a monolith: a vertical sculpture representing Andreï and the three personas of the novel. Each layer of the monolith symbolizes their unique attributes and personalities, culminating in a space of healing and unity. 

Through its interwoven layers of narrative and materiality, ZONE invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of chaos, growth, and healing. It transforms destruction into renewal, reminding us that the path to meaning often lies within embracing both the struggle and the resilience it fosters. 

Graduation date: 16 October 2024
Graduation committee: Raul Correa Smith (mentor), Peter Mensinga, Daria Khozhai 
Additional members for the exam: Lada Hrsak, Paul Kuipers