Constructing Memory in Bogota: Even the Stones are Sad

A Final Word

from the William Kentridge exhibit in Bogota

Finally, for all the inspiring talk and all the brilliance, there seemed to me to be one enormous elephant in the room. It was pointed out – unanimously – by a panel made up of indigenous elders from around Colombia.

“Coal is the brain of Mother Earth,” said an elder from the peoples of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. He addressed the audience as Little Brothers – and his people have had a long track record of being the Elder Brothers, predicting coming natural events through living in harmony with their mountains, and reading the minute changes.

But the changes are no longer minute. Climate change – probably the most enormous calamity our species has ever faced – is on its way. And, as in Canada, it is the Native population who seems to be paying it the attention it deserves.

What was remarkable for me was that here were three South American native leaders – from nations I knew nothing about – who were asked to speak of their culture and art. What they all chose to say, speaking with generosity, and authority, is that our culture and our art are tied to nature, and nature is not well. THAT’S what is now important.

What struck me as odd, listening to these men, is that the world’s artists (with some notable exceptions), are not yet up to speed on this file. And yet our role will be important, as it always has been in processing upheaval (as evidenced here vis a vis the violence in Colombia and as evidenced throughout history in times of war, disaster or disturbance). But we need to heed the warnings of elders such as these.

“Where there is no respect for others, there is death”. Says an elder from the Wayuu people. “How can we reach well being if we are spending resources from our Mother Earth for war?”

He speaks of the current state of his homeland: “We are hungry. We are thirsty. And our animals are dying. The plants are sad. The plants are desolated. Birds are sad. Even stones are sad.”

Another elder, from a different nation, says, “Wherever you are, give back to mother earth what you have received. Prepare a world for those who will be here after.”

In the end, this was what I learned in Bogota. That massive change is coming. That it may very well render even the stones sad. And that artists, undisciplined, caring, dedicated, asking for your time and your presence –such artists can help.

Sylvie, from Cirque Eloise in Montreal - final party.

Mariana - a theatre student from Bogota, and the Most Helpful Person

Ryan Cunningham, from Native Earth in Toronto, Allegra Galvin from the Quarterhouse in England, and me. Although I seem to have lost my teeth, i also seem unperturbed by this.

The Band on the last day.

from the William Kentridge exhibit in Bogota

William Kentridge

One of the stations of the cross on the walk to the Monseratte Monastery

National Gallery. Not yet out of the frying pan...

Botero exhibit at the National Gallery

A view of Bogota

Street view

me, Daan Bauwens (from de Bijloke in Ghent), Chris Lorway (Soundstreams, Toronto), and Frank Pauwels (also from de Bijloke), stride to the next session