“Spirits-polyphonic Harmony” (2024)

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"Spirit-polyphonic Harmony" is a project presented through video installations, exploring folklore, the transformation of historical spaces over time, and Lithuanian funeral rituals through traditional folk songs. This project focuses on three key aspects: the historical site of the Palace of Culture and Sports, mournful Lithuanian folk songs, and traditional folklore.
 

The Palace of Culture and Sports was originally a Jewish cemetery in Vilnius, reflecting the history and significance of the Jewish community before World War II. During the Soviet era, the cemetery was destroyed to make way for the construction of the Palace of Culture and Sports in 1971. This Brutalist-style building was designed as a cultural and sports center, symbolizing Soviet power and ideology. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the building was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Today, it has become a space where teenagers and TikTok users trespass to shoot videos or engage in illegal activities, reflecting the changing cultural dynamics and usage of the site in modern times.
 

The project is also inspired by two Lithuanian folk songs, "SVYRAVO, LINGAVO" and "Mano mamyte," which beautifully reflect the culture through music and lyrics. "SVYRAVO, LINGAVO" captures the deep connection between humans and nature, depicting the gentle movement of elements like trees or objects swaying in the wind. Meanwhile, "Mano mamyte" conveys the profound love and bond between a child and their mother, using simple yet poignant lyrics filled with sorrow and heartfelt emotion.
 

The video installation comprises found footage of the Palace of Culture and Sports, a live performance of "Mano mamyte," and instrumental music based on "SVYRAVO, LINGAVO"

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Two Screen 4k digital video and audio 5.1 channels and PAR Light
Video Duration : 09:08 min

 

Mutual Empathies, Akademie der Künste der Welt. Cologne. Germany.