Supraworld unfolds as a contemporary fairy tale about freedom, different perspectives, and the poultry industry.
Within its poetic narrative lies a fortunate free-roaming poultry community, mingling with wild birds amidst the ancient trees and plants of the magical Crystal Palace Park in Porto, Portugal – a historical ‘green lung’ of profound significance in the City’s History. “Supra” means above, beyond, or transcending, where birds serve as a poignant metaphor, highlighting their ability to navigate both the heavens above and the world below.
Throughout human history, birds have served as potent symbols of spirituality, representing freedom, peace, strength, and beauty, expressing within their symbolism the transformative journey of the soul. Surrealistic scenes emerge and vanish, contrasting the harsh realities of industrial mass poultry farming against the backdrop of a global decline in biodiversity within the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human civilization. In the industry, their lives are shortened to mere days, weeks, or up to one and a half years, whereas their natural lifespan can extend to ten and many more years.
The portraits transcend mere discussions of dietary choices; instead, they invite us to connect, to see and feel through their eyes, and to encounter our own rich emotional landscape in their presence. Interventions both in still and animated photographs occur within the skies, while leaving the birds and other scenes untouched.
The work is presented as a video with animated photography and four large bird prints on textile. Through Supraworld, we also amplify the voices of marginalized communities, weaving a story that extends beyond the avian realm to reflect on consumer culture and humanity’s inherent selfishness, juxtaposed with its capacity for unconditional love. This poignant exploration sheds light on the often-overlooked voices of the voiceless, resonating with the silenced narratives prevalent in our society today.
The video with photo-animations enhances the perception of the magical of childhood in a healing realm through an expanded sensory perception beyond the rational. Underlined by hypnotic Navajo Indian drums and birdsongs, the tale serves as a modern-day parable, invoking the age-old power of stories to ignite imagination and wisdom in both the young and the old. In a demanding era where societal and political pressures demand constant performance and adaptation, nurturing creativity without relying solely on digital devices becomes paramount. Engaging in creative activities sparks new neural pathways, enhancing problem-solving skills and wellbeing in an ever-changing landscape of screens and AI. In Supraworld, the birds, trees, and plants take center stage. Gazing amidst the changing weather phenomena under starry skies evokes a sense of humility, gently reminding us that the timeless order in the cosmos is intimately intertwined with the very essence of our earthly existence. Boundaries between utopia and reality blur here, inspiring constructive perspectives and solutions in dystopian times.
Information
Centro Português de Fotografia (CPF)
Antiga Cadeia e Tribunal de Relação, Largo Amor de Predição, 4
November 11, 2023 to March 31, 2024
