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Reform or Revolution
The colonial and capitalist systems which run on the dehumanisation of others in order to create and uphold material wealth must fall. ‘Reform or Revolution’ visualises the struggle against these systems which present as permanent through a series of clips of myself trying to push boulders with all my strength. Set on the island of Dominica - a former British colony which is currently experiencing its 21st year with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit - the piece was developed around conversations of the stagnation of (post)colonial political systems in an environment that is notoriously in flux. Hurricanes, landslides and floods constantly reshape the natural environment - forces which demand adaptability.
Myth and absurdity become queering tools to break away from the hegemony of current systems of power. What do we do when we are faced with the Sisyphusian task, an endless repetition? My current research looks into how performance, sound and movement have the power to shift physical institutions and systems of power. When taken literally it becomes clear that any form of change won’t come quickly or be achieved alone.
Refuge isn’t something that appears from nowhere, but something that needs to be built and maintained. This refuge might not be formed within our lifetime, but our efforts will benefit future generations. ‘Reform or Revolution’ invites us to spend time with this struggle, and consider what collective power is needed in order to create a shift.