“Spirits Bound to Family: Returning Before the Typhoon” (2024-present) work in progress

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“Spirits Bound to Family: Returning Before the Typhoon” is a work that explores the meanings of ancient rituals and communication with spirits across different cultures. Saroot Supasuthivech presents this video installation on three screens, each depicting a unique narrative: the Gwiyang Puliritual that guides spirits back to their homeland; the Sea Dragon legend, which tells of a turtle entrusted with the task of gathering lost souls from the depths of the ocean; and the natal homing behavior of sea turtles, symbolizing a profound spiritual journey back to one’s birthplace.
 

This piece reflects the bond between the human world and the spirit world deeply embedded in Jeju’s culture, expanding our understanding of ritual as a source of healing and tranquility. The installation includes a documentary video on sea turtles returning to Jeju to lay their eggs, a visual journey through the Jeju 4.3 Peace Memorial Hall highlighting historical turmoil, and a contemporary dance inspired by the Gwiyang Puli ritual—an ancient ceremony that remains significant to this day.
 

Through symbolic imagery and a serene audiovisual experience, Saroot seeks to offer audiences insight into themes of homecoming, farewell, and cross-cultural memory. By reconstructing rituals and narratives from the past within a modern framework, this work underscores how we remain connected through shared loss and remembrance, which continue to shape our collective spirit today.

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4k digital video and audio 5.1 channels and Sea turtle shell

Video Duration : - min

 

Gapado Artist in Residence, Jeju. South Korea