The Cenote Ring (work in progress)
This project investigates the symbolism, history, and myths surrounding the underground bodies of water forming the cenote ring in Yucatan, Mexico. It addresses the complexities and tensions of belief systems and worldviews by connecting the historical significance of this geological feature, created by an asteroid impact, with contemporary societal issues such as consumerism, expansion, speed, and resource accumulation amid an ecological crisis.
The project shifts across painting, performance, moving image, and installation. It is accompanied by an immersive sonic, sound design inspired by natural cycles, collapse, and grief developed through field recording and playing real-time API near-earth object data, generative and granular synth techniques as well as score and sound design in full Spatial Audio created by Bon Music Vision. The performance provokes thought and dialogue about our interaction with natural environments, the historical manipulation of resources, and the overarching themes of creation, destruction, and renewal.
Teaser of Video, 2024
Victoria and Albert Museum East Takeover at UCL East London, 2024. In collaboration with Bon Music Vision. Documentation by Genevieve Rieves and Lulu Wang
Project Overview
The project presents the asteroid that formed the cenote ring as a metaphor for considering what existed before our species and acknowledging the potential for our extinction in the future. It explores the micro-macro cosmos analogy and different positions that question what exceeds the human experience.
The project will also consider historical tensions, particularly how cenotes, being the sole water sources during the Mayan civilization, were central to power structures manipulating belief systems to control access to resources. This historical perspective will reflect on our contemporary situation in relation to collective grief and access to natural resources. The project opens dialogues that question our place as humans within natural environments by experimenting with the fixation for expansion, speed and resource accumulation.
Project Development
The development of this project began during the summer of 2023. A series of videos filmed in the cenote ring. A series of sounds where captured through field recording. The processed involved a performance of a hybrid creature swimming in the waters of the cenote Nayah in summer 2023.
The proposal has been supported by The National Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, Richmond Council and Orleans House Gallery through their project Artists Make Space providing space for performance rehearsals. Further development during a residency at Arte Lagos in Mexico City in summer 2024, including visits to Yucatan's cenotes to continue the research.
Project Elements
This is work in progress, the first iteration of the project was presented at UCL East as part of the Victoria and Albert Museum East.
The project consists of:
A collaborative performance activated via a sonic sound and created by Bon Music Vision.
A series of 12 paintings.
A panel discussion.
A moving-image piece.
