happiness – a universal pursuit and timeless theme
The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human need and one of the oldest questions shaping thought and action. Since antiquity, humanity has sought to understand the nature and conditions of happiness—from the reflections of Greek philosophers (Eudaimonia) and the wisdom of Solomon to the revolutionary ideas of the Enlightenment. Happiness has always been more than a personal matter; it has been regarded as a cornerstone of a just society.
Today, happiness is not only a philosophical concept but also the subject of intensive scientific and political exploration. One of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, conducted over 80 years, has identified happiness as a central factor in leading a fulfilling life. Simultaneously, philosophers like Sara Ahmed challenge us to examine how societal structures shape our understanding of happiness. Natural sciences, such as neurology and biochemistry, delve into the chemical and neural processes that influence our sense of well-being—from Maurice Rapport’s discovery of serotonin in the 1940s, now known as the „happiness hormone,“ to Arvid Carlsson’s work on dopamine in the 1950s, which revolutionized our understanding of the brain’s reward system and laid the foundation for modern therapies for depression and Parkinson’s disease.
On a global scale, the pursuit of happiness is also gaining recognition: the World Happiness Report and the Gross National Happiness Index measure collective well-being annually, advocating for happiness as a measurable parameter of progress and development. Happiness is thus not only an individual concern but also a matter of social justice, political structures, and cultural identity.
art as a resonance space for happiness
With the project “1000 happy flat sculptures” (#1kHFS), happiness is placed in an artistic context—a space where questions about happiness and its significance can resonate in diverse ways. Art offers opportunities to explore happiness through the lens of creation, reception, and collaboration without seeking definitive answers.
Is happiness found in the act of creation? Does it lie in collaboration and dialogue between artists? Or does it emerge in the encounter between a viewer and a work of art? Such questions do not aim to establish final answers but rather represent an ongoing attempt to engage with happiness as both a theme and a method.
Over the course of 1,000 weeks (approximately 20 years), starting in calendar week 20 of 2020, a new happy flat sculpture is published every Sunday at 0:00 CET. #1kHFS becomes a long-term experiment, expanding the resonance space for happiness week by week. In this space, happiness is simultaneously a means, a method, and a metaphor.
who we are
“1000 happy flat sculptures” is not a single work but a project carried by a diverse group of individuals. Throughout its duration, artists, thinkers, and contributors from various disciplines and contexts participate in its development. Together, they form a loose network dedicated to engaging with happiness—as a theme, a process, and an idea.
Would you like to be part of the project? Your perspective and contribution are welcome!
contact: website@1000-happy-flat-sculptures.com