Dead animals with a backstory (2024)

A flock of sparrows try to survive, chased from their home. Unable to migrate, they find refuge in posthumous identities. The starting point of reference for this piece is the 1958 "Eliminate Sparrows" campaign by the Chinese Communist Party, a policy that tragically led to the Great Chinese Famine. Through this historical lens arising fom archival material, the performance examines the instrumentalization of humans, drawing a stark parallel to today’s ecological crises and identity politics.

The performers, donning handmade masks, embody the dislodged sparrows, each mask a painstaking representation of their lost homes and identities. The masks, crafted with delicate detail, echo the fragility and resilience of nature, reenacting the stark beauty of nature morte memento mori paintings. These artworks, which remind us of mortality and the transience of life, are a poignant metaphor for the sparrows’ plight and the broader human condition.

The visual narrative is accompanied by a traditional Greek lament; its haunting melodies underscoring the themes of loss and mourning. This auditory experience deepens the emotional resonance, connecting the audience to the sorrow of displacement and the search for refuge. The lament, carrying the vexed connotations and semantics of cultural heritage, bridges the past and the present, highlighting the timeless struggle for survival amidst environmental and societal upheavals. Through this multifaceted exploration, the work becomes a portal for a reflection on our interconnectedness with nature and the enduring quest for identity and belonging.