Anatomy of Posidonia
Action painting, 2.75x7 Meter
Spirulina chlorophyll powder and Sea water on paper
During our second performance, a tragic coach accident occurred in Guizhou, China, coinciding with strict Zero COVID-19 policies. On September 18th, 2022, Guizhou experienced a surge in cases. The bus, carrying 47 passengers, including 45 related to COVID-19 cases, was heading to a quarantine centre, despite warnings against traveling on mountain highways after midnight. This accident resulted in the loss of 27 lives and left 20 others injured.
I was at the Territori Performance Festival when this accident happened. I shared a villa with fellow artists who had come from different countries to perform, each carrying their unique histories of live art and personal sorrows. Their kindness brought comfort during my sadness, while their diverse backgrounds and conversations deepened it. The performance occurred in a bustling city square surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants. Curious children passing by would often ask their parents, "What is she doing? Is she okay?" The layers of emotions within this performance made the ink marks appear heavy and dense, and my movements became visibly slower and more deliberate, as if I were dragging a heavy burden.
The Echo of Posidonia performance series explores the intricate connections between the ancient underwater plant Posidonia, ecology, immigration, tourism, the human body, and local culture. Through performances in specific locations, our project aims to foster an understanding of the delicate balance between human activities and the natural world. Using elements like body art, action painting, and personal stories, our series vividly shows the scars inflicted on Posidonia meadows and its fertile seeds, encouraging active involvement with the local community and their cultural heritage.
Through this performance, my goal was to express how human emotions are interconnected across history and cultural differences. The purity of plants is inspiring, far less self-centered than the human world. Bringing this intense performance to a public space in front of a diverse audience, not just art enthusiasts, raises questions about the purpose of art and the fragility of ordinary lives in the face of political and social turbulence.
Festival Territori , Ibiza, Spain
Curator Isa Sanz
Photo by Anita de Austria
Video by Philemon Mukarno
