With the idea of the performance in my mind, I had to embark on the journey to find and create the magical objects that will bring the character of the Minotaur to life. All I needed was a long black cloak that I could eventually paint and give it a new "life". With the mask, I had the skills to build myself from scratch, unlike sewing. I've tried the cheap option of ordering a cloak from Amazon, but when I touched the material, it felt wrong, dead in a way. So, on a day out in Totnes, I entered an old vintage clothing shop, filled with many gems, where I found my cloak waiting for me.I guess it was written in the stars!
As a dreamer and a surrealist, I was drawn to the cloak's mysterious qualities - it was holding history behind it, there is something precious about clothes that traveled through time. As I was holding the cloak I felt a sense of power and intensity emanating from it. It was a male cloak - perfect - a symbol of the Minotaur's strength and power held on a woman's shoulders, and a reminder of the magic and mystery of ancient mythology.
Through the research, the connection with the object, and the performance, I will channel the power of ancient mythology, creating a performance that will be both timeless and deeply personal.
I believe that objects play a crucial role in artistic performance, as they can convey meaning, evoke emotions, and enhance the overall impact of the work.
One of the primary benefits of using objects in performance is their ability to evoke emotions in the audience. Objects can create a sense of nostalgia or even fear, providing a physical and visual representation of the themes and ideas explored in the performance.
Objects can also be used to create a sense of place and atmosphere, setting the tone for the performance and transporting the audience to another world.
Furthermore, objects can be used to create a sense of narrative, connecting different parts of the performance and providing a cohesive and compelling storyline. In this sense, objects can act as a visual and physical manifestation of the themes and ideas explored in the performance, creating a powerful experience for the audience.
Costume and prop can become an extension of the artist's own body, allowing them to fully embody the character they are portraying and express themselves in a way that is both authentic and engaging.
Bellow are the sketches I have done of the cloak with the painting elements on it(universal symbols)
and the images of the drawing transferred on the cloak. All I need now is to start painting! The house is still full of dust and a bit reluctant to start the painting process, but getting there, slowly and surely!
The Tree and Roots Symbolism:
In many cultures, trees are considered powerful symbols of growth, renewal, and strength. The roots of a tree are often associated with stability, nourishment, and grounding.
Here are some examples of tree and root symbolism in different cultures:
In Celtic mythology, trees were believed to have their own spirits and were considered symbols of wisdom, strength, and protection. The roots of the trees were associated with the underworld and the afterlife.
In Hinduism, the tree of life is called the Kalpavriksha and is a symbol of creation, fertility, and abundance.Its roots represent stability and grounding, while its branches represent growth and expansion.
In Buddhism, the Bodhi tree is the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It is a symbol of awakening, knowledge, and wisdom. The roots of the Bodhi tree represent the Buddha's connection to the earth and the physical world.
In many Native American cultures, trees are considered sacred and are believed to have spirits. The roots of the trees represent the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.
The Snake Symbolism:
Snakes have been used as symbols in many cultures and have often been associated with both positive and negative meanings. Here are a few examples: In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the snake was associated with the goddess Wadjet, who was the protector of the pharaohs. The snake was a symbol of protection and was often depicted on the pharaohs' crowns.
In Hinduism, the serpent is often associated with the god Shiva and is a symbol of transformation and rebirth. The kundalini energy, which is believed to reside at the base of the spine, is often depicted as a coiled serpent.
In Christianity, the snake is often associated with the devil and temptation. In the Bible, the serpent is the one who tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden to eat the forbidden fruit.
In Chinese mythology, the snake is one of the 12 zodiac animals and is believed to be a symbol of intelligence, gracefulness, and charm.
The Eye Symbolism:
The symbol of the eye has been used in many cultures and can have different meanings depending on the context.
Here are a few examples: In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the Eye of Horus was a symbol of protection and healing. It was believed to have the power to ward off evil and restore health.
In Hinduism, the third eye is a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual awakening. It is believed to be located in the center of the forehead and is associated with intuition and higher consciousness.
In Christianity, the eye is often associated with the concept of God's omniscience, or all-knowing nature.
In Turkish culture, the Nazar is an eye-shaped amulet that is believed to protect against the evil eye, a curse caused by envy or jealousy.
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