I invoke my cedar ancestors!, site-specific performance, 45 minutes, Curated by Ebru Nalan Sülün, Kaleiçi Oldtown Festival, 2022

As a performance artist, I think that the miraculous layers of the plant world bring humanity together with slow living, sustainability and creativity. While we are feeling the devastating effects of the climate crisis a little more heavily each day, the performance inspired by the cedar tree growing in the Bey Mountains and accompanied by balancing with the elements exercises to experience once again collectively that the key to respecting other species is to be in sync with nature, participants will go on a intertemporal healing journey with all items.

Why cedar wood?

While I was reserching about Bey Mountains, I learned that many plants live in its flora. One of these is the Lebanese cedar, which has been designated as “one of climate-sensitive tree species”. It has strong symbolism in Lebanon and many cultures. Cedar wood is a symbol of endurance, eternal life and inner journey. In Ancient Egypt, resin of the cedar is used in mummies. Cedar wood is mentioned in Sumerian tablets. Cedar, whose name is mentioned in many buildings from Ephesus to the temple of King Solomon, was also used in shipbuilding by the Phoenicians. Smelling the oil of the cedar tree reduces stress and fear, is used in the treatment of infections, and supports the regeneration of the skin. It has many healing and cross-cultural symbolism.

I invoke my cedar ancestors!, site-specific performance, 45 minutes video under post-production.