Steve Giasson. Buddha of Bamiyan I. Puzzle of 1008 pieces. Variable dimensions. 2012
Exhibition « 11 », Centre des arts actuels Skol, Montréal.
1008 piece puzzle depicting a monumental statue of a standing Buddha (ca. fifth century AD) carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamiyan valley in central Afghanistan. It was dynamited and destroyed in March 2001 by the Taliban, as any human representation is prohibited by the doctrine of Wahhabism. The puzzle lays on the floor undone. Visitors are invited to do it or undo it, if it is completed.