Spiritual Discipline and Somatics via Arts-based Reflections and Decolonial Heart Center (original) (raw)

This thesis presents an introspective journey through my artistic evolution, spanning the period before my tenure at Goddard and throughout my MFA program. Commencing with body-based performance art, the narrative unfolds into a diverse array of ephemeral creations that facilitate connections between my body, mind, and others. The artistic exploration encompasses performance art, interactive installations, zines, audio, guided meditations, and group experiences grounded in yoga and somatic inquiry. Informed by a diverse array of artistic influences, my work has matured into a more investigative, conceptual, and presence-rooted practice. The resulting creations deviate significantly from the conventional Western art paradigm of the 21st century. They aspire to foster harmony among individuals through the act of creation, advocating for body-based awareness as a means of healing from the clutches of capitalism and patriarchy, ultimately contributing to human liberation. The underlying theme suggests a deliberate shedding of ephemeral or non-essential attributes of art, akin to leaves gracefully descending from a tree. This metaphorical journey aims to draw closer to the core and the earth, where genuine nourishment and transformative artistic expression reside.