Considering Time,

Duration – 5hours,

London, 2024

“Considering Time” is a performance piece that delves into the cyclical nature of existence, the passage of time, and the impermanence of our actions. In this work, I walk in a continuous circle, holding a stick shaped like clock arrows in my mouth. The stick serves as both a guide and a burden, symbolizing the relentless forward march of time. As I walk, one end of the stick erases my footprints, while the other, held in my mouth, propels me forward. This dual action represents the tension between the past and the future—how each step forward simultaneously erases the traces of where we’ve been. The performance evokes the concept of the “enso,” a Japanese symbol representing the circle of life, completeness, and the eternal cycle of time. By physically embodying this cycle, the work explores how time both creates and erases, how every moment is a simultaneous act of creation and destruction. The erasure of footprints symbolizes the fleeting nature of our actions and the inevitability of forgetting, while the act of walking in a circle highlights the repetitive, unending nature of time. “Considering Time” invites contemplation on the nature of existence, the way time shapes our lives, and the ephemeral quality of our journey through life. The performance is a meditation on how we move through time, leaving behind traces that are destined to fade, yet continually pushing forward in the eternal cycle of life.

*In Zen Buddhism, an ensō (円相) is a circular symbol drawn with a single, continuous brushstroke. It is one of the most common subjects of Japanese calligraphy and holds deep spiritual significance. The ensō symbolizes many concepts, including enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and the void. It is also often associated with the Zen idea of “wabi-sabi,” which means embracing the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. Drawing an ensō is a spiritual practice that reflects the artist’s state of mind at the moment of creation. The circle can be either closed or open; a closed circle represents completeness, while an open circle suggests that it is not yet complete, leaving room for development, and embodying the idea of openness or infinity. In essence, the ensō represents the interconnectedness of all things, the cyclical nature of existence, and the Zen pursuit of understanding the true nature of reality.