The crossing place

This recently completed work can be viewed as one projected video, or as a triptych with 2 additional video elements that elaborate on aspects of the conveging stories. The Crossing Place explores ongoing themes of identity, ancestry, and earth-based spirituality.

In April, 2019, Vida spent a 3-week residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, Co. Monahan, working with creative collaborators Pauline Cummins and Frances Mezzetti, both established Irish media and performance artists. During this fruitful time filming, recording, and photographing in the old manor house and grounds of the Guthrie estate, Vida took on several personas: a Servant Woman in the Big House, and an Ancestor/CrowWoman who inhabits the area of the walls and gates; as well, the artist and her collaborators adopted the appearance of strong Spirit Women whose dwelling place is the deep woods.

Enacting an implied narrative of exploration and growth, these characters intersect, influence each other, and enable self-discovery and finally decisive action in The Crossing Place between these worlds. A poignant soundtrack accompanies the flowing montage of imagery, including the sound of the drone of an Uilleann pipe, played by renowned Irish piper David Power, along with voicing by the performers and natural sounds of wind, water, and fire.

Details

2019, Revised 2022

Colour

6.30 minutes