DZEN

The work is based on the study of ritual – its symbolic as well as practical meaning, which serves as a strengthening of the connections with the traditions of our ancestors, the cycles of nature and the mythological way of thinking. Ritual as a protective mechanism, arranging oneself and the world around - the microcosm. Today we have to think a lot not only about protecting ourselves and our loved ones, but also about protecting and maintaining our land and identity. Many cultures have rituals where bad, dark thoughts or forces are transformed into some animal or other creature which is then sacrificed - burned or driven away, thus hoping to get rid of the dark forces and protect themselves from evil and diseases. In my work I visually and ritually revive an ancient Latvian spring solstice ritual, which was called "Chasing Birds" and “Calling Birds”. It was common only in a small part of the territory of Latvia, which was inhabited by a small ethnic group - Livonians. According to this tradition several big birds symbolized evil spirits, diseases, misfortunes and performing various rituals, singing, making noise, people chased them into the forest. At the same time small birds were called to the yard as they symbolized returning of the light. Since I had focused on butoh aesthetics, it seemed interesting that tradition of “Chasing Birds” is known in Japan as well. Birds and other creatures were chased to the sea there. 

The word “Dzen” in Latvian has different meanings. It means to chase away, break through and at the same time the state of mind – Zen or Zen Buddhism – the pursuit of enlightenment.