EPHEMERAL HOME
2023
Image credit: Alissa Farr
“Ephemeral Home” is a sculpture and performance created at Bodhi Khaya in the Uilenkraal Valley, South Africa, as part of the Bodhi Khaya artist residency.
In this work, I was inspired by the migratory movements and labour of the birds who travel between and
nest in both the north and southern hemisphere, and whose journeys mimic my own life story. The
circular shape of this piece, and the material simplicity of its construction reflect my desire to
connect and heal the human relationship with the environment. Ephemeral home reflects on the potential
for a holistic relationship between human and environment when a place becomes home; that home is a
space tending and caring for one-another and for the land upon which we build shelter.
Image credits: Bronwyn Trupp
I spent seven days walking the land collecting, and carrying by hand, the sticks with which I built
Ephemeral Home. These sticks were largely collected from the medicinal plant, known locally as Wild
Dagga.
In the performance that accompanied this installation, I walked down the mountain carrying the final
bundle of sticks, and completed the building of the sculpture while enclosing myself within the
circular form of the sculpture.
Asking for a home.
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Tending to you because you’re my home.
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Speaking truthfully because we are at home.
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Loving you because this is home.
Image credit: Bronwyn Trupp
Collaborating musicians: Kamil Hassim (drum), Jane Mpholo (voice) and Iman Adams (voice and shaker).
Performance image credits: Sara Carneiro, Mona Hannekom, Bronwyn Trupp.