EARTHTALK - THE VOICE OF THE WATERS

Ritual of Reverence: A River’s Embrace

In this performance art piece, I entered into a dialogue with the Rio Grande, honoring the essence of life embodied by water. This ceremony serves as both a meditation and a tribute, acknowledging the ancestral wisdom that underscores our connection to rivers as vital arteries of nourishment and fertility.

The act of pouring milk into the water emerges as a powerful gesture of purification—a symbolic cleansing that honors the nurturing qualities of both the river and the Mothers. Milk, often associated with sustenance and care, becomes a conduit for blessings and prosperity, resonating with mythological narratives that elevate its significance.

Through this ritualistic performance, the milk transforms into a visual language, drawing abstract forms upon the surface of the water. This ephemeral “milk text” serves as a means of communication with the river, embodying the fluidity of thought and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The resulting imagery reflects a symbiotic relationship, inviting viewers to contemplate our shared responsibility in safeguarding these vital ecosystems.

As a video work, this piece captures the transient beauty of the moment, creating a lasting impression of the sacred bond between humanity and nature. It is a reverent acknowledgment of water’s life-giving force, an invitation to reflect on our place within the living world, and a celebration of the nurturing power that sustains us all.