BREATHE
Click Image for Slide Show
Christie Pearson
Artist's Statement:
The piece is based on photographs taken in a pool. It reminds us how often we are holding our breath instead of breathing, as if we were underwater. It also suggests unconsciousness, so we look up to the surface where we could emerge. As a guided breathing practice the images gently lengthen the breathing: two seconds inhale, four seconds exhale, six seconds inhale, eight seconds exhale, ten seconds inhale. The last image is just before breaking through the surface. When followed, the viewer is reminded to breathe, the breath deepens, gradually slows down, the diaphragm is engaged, shoulders spontaneously let go, rib cage and its connection to the spine is felt particularly at the last exhale, as old carbon dioxide-laden air from the lower lungs gets pushed out. We re-orient ourselves within our bodies, centred in the dynamic breath. This is my idea of a revolution, everyone acting from a relaxed and embodied place. We might be present enough to produce a sensually engaged environment. We might see each other, and even be able to speak to each other.
Artist's Bio:
Christie Pearson is interested in amplifying our bodies’ relation to our natural and constructed environments. Research on world bathing cultures feeds a body of installation, architectural, event and writing projects (www.christiepearson.ca). She co-founded the Wade festival of installation and performance art (www.wadetoronto.com), produces sound events with THEWAVES (www.thewaves.ca), is a member of the performance collective Urbanvessel (www.urbanvessel.com) and the Ontario Association of Architects. Her writing has been published in journals such as On Site, Descant, Senses and Society, Alphabet City, and Spacing, and she has participated in Toronto festivals such as soundAxis and Nuit Blanche.
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