As a child, Sibylle Tarazi often visited Deir El Kalaa with her mother – an archaeologist – so became familiar with the site and its various ruins. She was particularly fascinated by a pottery workshop, the baths, the Byzantine church, and an olive press. These memories, and a recent return to the site, prompted the artist to think about how ancient civilizations can just vanish. Tarazi channeled her inspiration to craft a bench, a sculptural, timeless piece that creates a link between the past, the present, and the future; it also retains a playful touch, reminiscent of the lightness of childhood. When making the bench, Tarazi imagined visitors sitting on it beneath the oak tree, surrounded by shattered columns, stones, wildflowers, dried leaves, and acorns. It is a place for contemplating nature and enjoying the present moment; for considering the history of the site and how life there once was; for thinking of the past and remembering loved ones; and also for dreaming of the future. As well as providing a playful element, the shaped stainless-steel handle evokes direction, orientation, and time. For Tarazi, mixing materials is part of the storytelling process. The materials for this bench are all locally sourced, blending with their surroundings and representing the passage of time. Collaboration is a core part of her practice and to bring this vision to life, Tarazi worked with Elia Lucas for the marble sculpting and Elie Morcos for the woodwork