Tenalach
Hearing the Earth's Voice - in situ installation & performance
SHIM invitational
Shim Art Network & HOHENTHAL UND BERGEN
in collaboration with DeFineArt & The EDGE mag
present
PATHs
Prologue
Tenalach
Hearing the Earth's Voice
"We are the Earth, You are the stranger…'
Installation -September 1st to November 3rd 2024
Alexandra Mas presents an in situ installation at the canal level of the Palazzo Pisani Revedin, serving as a symbolic reminder of the vigilant scrutiny of nature and its creatures. Visitors are guided along a concrete path, leading them into the heart of the piece. Suspended in the air, a multitude of eyes crafted to resemble various animal forms collectively form the shape of a colossal eye, observing the passersby.
Mas's work is enhanced by a choral soundscape composed of voices and nature sounds recorded by the artist, building on her signature multi-leveled auditory experience. This soundscape deepens the installation’s thematic exploration, invoking a sense of indignation and prompting viewers to reflect on their place within the natural world. Titled "Tenalach," the soundscape invites contemplation of the Earth's lamentation, emphasising our status as outsiders on this planet. Through this multi-sensory experience, Mas compels us to listen closely to the Earth’s melancholic song and confront the environmental and existential estrangement we face.
In this soundscape, a tapestry of voices and languages weaves together, featuring a notable contribution from Brazilian-French artist Célia Gouveiac. Her recordings, captured in the heart of the Amazonian forest and among the Fulmi-ô-Povos people of Northeast Brazil, add a rich, authentic dimension to the auditory experience. These are complemented by bird recordings from university professor and doctor in ornithology Tudor Draganoiu, sea sounds from Marco Tassini, and a variety of other sounds provided by the artist herself.
Voices: Diane Pernet, Célia Gouveiac, Gaby Burke, Francesca Fasulo, Amal Ihajri, Ira De Puiff, Hanna Mare, Maria Fatima Haselhuber, Robin Seger, Hugues Lechanoine, and the powerful contributions of several children. Five-year-old Christian Alexander Schanz portrays a bear, Giulio Tassini, 5, embodies an eagle, Leonardo Lechanoine, 6, gives voice to a lion, 4 years old Andrade Da Siva Guezou is a squirrel in a burning forest, and 5 years old Remy Marie Burke is Earth.
installation assistant Veronika Petuchova
A performance by Alexandra Mas
featuring Leonardo Dubois
& Giulio Tassini
In this evocative performance, Alexandra Mas embodies a faun who confronts a human, portrayed by Leonardo Dubois, through a series of processional acts that craft a powerful narrative. The faun, symbolizing nature, challenges the human to confront and atone for his transgressions.
Joining them is the young Giulio Tassini, who also plays a faun. He presents the relics of humanity’s crimes to the audience, deepening the emotional impact and highlighting the gravity of humanity's actions against nature.
To bring the Faun to life, Alexandra Mas enlisted stylist Isabelle Bardot and designer Carlos Biernnay. The wig, a masterpiece by L'Oréal Ambassador Jérôme Guézou, was meticulously designed based on the artist's drawings and inspirations.
Acknowledgments to HOHENTHAL UND BERGEN, SHIM art, the Palazzo PISANI Revedin, and the GOMBAULT family
The technical support
by Marco Tassini &
Maria Fatima Haselhuber
ink drawing, Alexandra Mas
"Tenalach" is an Irish term that refers to a relationship one has with the land, air, and water, a deep connection that allows one to hear the Earth's voice.
A Confrontation with Nature - Performance - September 5th at 7 PM
Artists Alexandra Mas and Leonardo Dubois will present a powerful performance on September 5th at the Palazzo Pisani Revedin in Venice. Renowned for her evocative performances and installations that resonate with a deep sense of urgency and alarm, Mas, along with Dubois, delivers a piece rich in symbolism and emotional depth. The performance underscores the critical need to mend our relationship with the natural world and respond to its urgent cries. This act highlights the fragility of our environment and the pressing need to address the damage caused by human activities.
Themes and Impact: This performance is a compelling call to action, urging the audience to confront and address the environmental crises we face. Mas, embodying a faun, introduces a primal, almost mythological element to the piece, representing the Earth's voice and its enduring resilience. Dubois, portraying the human, embodies our collective responsibility and the possibility of redemption through awareness and decisive action.
Through their powerful collaboration, the artists compel us to listen to the Earth's lament and inspire us to take meaningful steps toward healing our planet. This performance not only highlights the catastrophic impact of human actions but also ignites a collective movement towards environmental awareness and restoration.
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Meet the artist
Make certain to connect with Alexandra Mas. Use the contact form to plan a meet-and-greet date from August 28 to September 7, in PALAZZO PISANI REVEDIN, Venice. This personalized encounter will provide insight into the artist's creative process, inspirations, and the stories behind her compelling works. Don't miss this chance to connect on a deeper level and gain a richer understanding of Alexandra Mas's artistic journey.
ARTSY and prices
Discover Alexandra Mas's artworks on Artsy, where her portfolio showcases a diverse range of pieces that capture the essence of her artistic vision - featured works at Aqua Art 2023 and the Biennale 2022. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with her artistry through these carefully curated showcases.