Luck: Manufacturing Fortune Through Conceptual Art

Maja Kirovska’s installation questions authenticity and cultural symbols of luck

Drawing from personal experiences of crafting four-leaf clovers during summer holidays, Kirovska’s installation revisits the act of creating luck by hand when genuine clovers could not be found. The project explores the deep-rooted cultural symbolism of the four-leaf clover, a motif often associated with fortune and happiness, and examines how these ideas are manufactured and embraced within society. Through irony and accessible visual language, "Luck" challenges viewers to question the authenticity of such symbols and the superficial pursuit of happiness.

The installation stands out for its unique blend of media, combining photography, handcrafted and found objects, and video. Seven digital photographs guide viewers through the step-by-step process of fabricating a four-leaf clover by attaching an extra leaf to a natural trifoliate specimen. Thirteen encyclopedias, each opened to a random page and displaying pressed counterfeit clovers, further emphasize the element of chance and serendipity. A video component documents the entire process, revealing the constructed nature of the so-called lucky objects.

Technically, the project employs both traditional and conceptual methods. The clovers are preserved as herbarium specimens, while the encyclopedias and pedestals create an interactive environment that encourages contemplation. The photographic and video documentation ensures that the process is both transparent and engaging, allowing audiences to witness the transformation from ordinary to "lucky" in real time.

Interaction is central to the installation’s impact. Visitors move through the space, first encountering the photographic guide, then exploring the encyclopedias, and finally watching the video that exposes the artificiality of the clovers. This journey prompts reflection on the ways in which society constructs and packages ideas of luck and happiness, often favoring surface-level solutions over genuine fulfillment.

"Luck" has been exhibited internationally, including in Skopje, Zagreb, Ponte de Lima, and Gangneung, and was recognized with a Bronze A' Design Award in 2025 for its creative ingenuity and contribution to quality of life improvements. The installation’s accessible narrative and subtle irony make it a significant commentary on contemporary culture’s relationship with fortune and authenticity.

By deconstructing the process of creating luck, Maja Kirovska’s "Luck" installation encourages viewers to reconsider the value and meaning of widely accepted symbols, inviting a deeper understanding of happiness and the human desire for good fortune.