The Ritual, 2016
A performance/event from the Offsite exhibition (London)
The Ritual is a performance/interactive event that explores rituals – in both their expression of sacred symbolism and their performance value. This was a full moon ritual that took place on the 17th of May, 2016 – in preparation for the following full moon on the 20th of May.
The full moon is a time for releasing things in our lives that no longer serve us. It marks a time of completion and an illumination of things we keep hidden from ourselves. In contrast to a new moon, which symbolises creation, manifestation, birth and rebirth.
Visitors were given slips of paper and invited to write down what they wish to discard of on this full moon. Each intention was then read aloud and tossed into the burning fire. Fire symbolises the very energy of existence – the spark of life. As it rises, it gives people a connection to the spiritual. The act of burning slips of paper can be viewed as a parallel to the Taiwanese tradition of burning gold paper money on holidays (for the Gods) and funerals (for loved ones).
