Sapi as in raiz. Sapi as in root. A root from which all things stem. This growing root, which envelopes the walls of the Carrying Vessel, seeks to overcome and dominate concrete walls, turning human-built structures into a natural environment of it’s own. The Vessel becomes activated as light spills, bringing attention to the beauty of underground plant life and recalling itself as the source of all beings.
Sapi (meaning root in Kichwa) invokes the magic of nature and acts as an extension of the voice of the land itself. It is a reminder of where we all come from, no matter what part of the world you are from.
Installation at The Carrying Vessel, curated by Carmen Alatorre and Wladimiro A. Woyno R. Prague Quadrennial 2023
ADC is thrilled to present ‘A Carrying Vessel‘ – an exciting Canadian exhibit in the Prague Quadrennial Exhibition of Countries and Regions, June 8–18, 2023. This exhibit includes an interactive art installation that aims to re-contextualize large regional Canadian theatres as sites of urban decay with emergent life budding within. Co-curators Carmen Alatorre and Wlad Antonio Woyno Rodriguez devised this theme specifically to focus on amplifying ideas, interests, and aesthetics of equity-seeking designers in Canada. Below is an excerpt from their curatorial statement:
“It is rare for equity-seeking artists to find outlets for expression of their work unhampered by the expectations of the majority culture. Some of us have forced ourselves to adapt in order to survive, while many continue to operate outside the established boundaries at the expense of access to resources. Ongoing international activist movements and the closure of theatres across the country during the global pandemic, encourage Canadian artists to seek new outlets for their work at this unique point in history. With renewed energy, artists wish to express themselves and hold space for traditional ways of knowing and the wisdom of newcomers alike to broaden the national discourse. Harnessing this momentum, we will generate a literal vessel to carry these experiences across the country and create an opportunity for encounter – of artists, audiences, unique ideas and diverse experiences.”
“This vessel will gather artistic output from five featured artists- Samira Banihashemi, Whittyn Jason, Nancy Tam, Samay Arcentales Cajas and Jay Havens. These artists are living across the country and position themselves both within and outside of dominant culture. Physically, the exhibition will manifest as a transforming, interdisciplinary installation. Our featured artists have contributed interventions with participatory components in space, lighting, sound, projection and costume design. Each artist’s expression of their work and creative process will be available to the audience to discover. When an audience member uncovers an activation point it will initiate a scenographic event which will expand and fill the entirety of the vessel. These rich but momentary encounters will highlight the transient and precarious nature of work created outside of the support of the dominant culture and help our audience to understand both the risk and reward that equity-seeking designers must balance when creating work in Canada. These designers have navigated visible and invisible barriers in the traditional Colonial theatre system. We seek to highlight their work, passion, and artistic inquiry – not necessarily focusing solely on their identity.” – Carmen Alatorre and Wladimiro A. Woyno R.
photos of The Vessel by David Kumermann
photo and Video of Sapi by Samay Arcentales Cajas