In Chinese funerals, an important element is the funeral scroll, with messages rendered in calligraphy. They express condolences or praise for life of the deceased. I created a 10 minute performance exploring the relationship between these 3 elements - body, water and life through AR land walks and live calligraphy mark makings. I chose to write the word “life”, as it is the loss of value of life itself that we are collectively mourning. The piece also incorporates meditative walks cultivated from my yoga practice, spoken word and a ambient soundscape that I created.

Initially appearing as a Chinese character, the words are actually amalgamated from Chinese, Arabic, and Hebrew into a unified expression. I constantly struggle to reconcile these identities within my being, but I am also urging the need for a broader healing between these diverse cultures.

Our relationship with water is complex, it is a powerful force that sustains us, an element that calms us, a physical form that transports us and also a geographical weapon that divides us. Water shortage is an environmental crisis of dire consequences for places like the Jordan Rift Valley, and parts of the US like California Arizona and Texas.

Just as the scroll symbolizes a unified expression of mourning and reverence for life, our shared relationship with water highlights the urgent need for transcultural healing and sustainable stewardship to confront environmental crises, bridging cultural divides for the preservation of life itself.

This work is part of a series I am creating in response to my time in Jordan and Wadi Rum on a residency created by One of May Studio, who curated this evening of Gathering Future Ancestors.

Water garment: Olivia Barr

Photo credits: Sun Katayama