A project to meditate about human loss, displacement, and a space for healing. By the great “Renaisance man” and Multimedia artist Hratch Arbach. It’s driven by the idea of healing the wounds caused by the loss of lives in Syria and Armenia, Motherlands of Hratch. But the idea of the project is to trigger a meditation and healing process in the different contexts to be experienced. Sadly, in every single country there have been tragic moments in history that have created deep wounds in the peoples minds, that escape the cold numbers of statistics.
In this multisensorial installation people participate in a ritual-like experience that combines poetry, sound, scents, sculpture, and an interactive participatory dynamic. Using metaphors like the scent of jazmin, blood and dirt, and materials like was, shaped into sharp long nails, Hratch triggers sensations in the audience that invite to reflect and connect with the trauma of themselves, and also to try to step in the shoes of victims of violence, war and the consequential displacement from their homelands. And the separation from their family and friends.
I had the honor to be part of this project as his Production Assistant, videographer and photographer. Now, after a successful and happy collaboration, we are working officially as partners on the project, believing in the importance of its mission, and how it really transcends the author or authors. We believe that this project, as many others, is made by the artist and the audience in a perfect tandem. But we are also aware that there needs to be a team that works hard to make it a reality, and to set the basic frame, for all the magic to happen when it gets activated by the audience, that also include the two of us.
http://www.hratcharbach.com/mawtini/
February 1 2020
A sensorial participatory installation, it aims to unite people around a universal ritual by addressing themes such as collective memory, belonging and hope.
The art creation invites visitors to pick up one of the 20,000 wax nails lined up on the floor and melt it on the dedicated heated sculptures, releasing one of three scents embedded in the nails: blood, earth, and jasmine.
With the contribution of Sivan Eldar (sound) and Francis Kurkdjian (perfume), the public's participation will give soul to Mawtini, transforming the installation into a collective celebration of life.
With the support from
Cultrual Services French Embassy in the United States
Brooklyn Public Library
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Maison Cire Trudon
Silvana K Designs