Breathe

Single Channel video
6 min 21 secs
2020

Film: Claire Bridge
Music: Live Forever, licensed by Moby
Sound: Claire Bridge

Breathe

During 2020, breath has been the giver and taker of life. COVID-19 has made us acutely aware of the dangers of breathing and spreading a killer virus. Air has been filled with invisible threats. Instead of yogic possibilities for calm and relaxation, breathing triggers stress.

Lockdowns and isolation have made blue sky and passing clouds but a glimpse of yearned for expanse and freedom. Yet, this retreat into our homes also created spaces to pause, to slow down and for some, to rest. Life has been lived within a decreasing radius. Endless uncertainty made the present moment more palpable. It is all we ever have. The slowing of relentless industry and emptied streets caused skies to clear as we stopped pumping pollution into our air. For the first time in half a century, the peaks of Himalaya were visible in Northern India and from my great grandmother’s country in Assam. In Breathe, mandalas radiate, appearing and dissolving in blue depths, and like the rice paste kolams of my ancestors, soothe the spirit. Ephemeral as breath.

Breathe works somatically. Pause.

Stay. Listen. Rest.

Feel you heart. Feel your breath. Befriend the air.

Breathe.

Showing throughout December 2020, opens 11 Dec

Bulleke-bek Brunswick International Screen Marathon
Gallery Gallery
7 Hope St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
View online