6min Video Performance
CAMAC, Marnay Sur Sein
France
2004
Meera George
The work is inspired by the painting of Ophelia by John Everett Millais. The Shakespearean character ends up in a state of madness that ultimately leads to her drowning in the river.
A woman is seen walking through different spaces in search of her resting place. She belongs to this world, surrounded by the mundane. Noise and silence fill her moments. Her strides are confident and purposeful, she isn’t weak. Just tired perhaps. What about her life does she wish to put to rest, even for a moment? And is it momentary rest that she is seeking or eternal peace? The sweet lullaby that sets the tone for the piece later turns into a haunting juxtaposition of words, cajoling her, in her quest for that state of union with herself.
Little flower has gone to sleep,
Breeze, please be gentle..
The melody ‘Nanhi Kali’ from the 1960 film Sujata is performed by the artist for this piece.
