Sand and Stones

A dance performance at the northern coast of the Netherlands, 2018

The rake scrapes over the sand in a repetitive movement. A regular pattern in the sand occurs, it makes things seen, that were not seen in first instance. By following what is already there, a new reality arises.
Two women, explore the concept of the Japanese ‘Zen garden’ as a bridge to another reality. A reality that brings them in contact with the sand, the seaweed, the sea and themselves. A spiritual journey inspired by ancient cultures like the Japanese Bhuddist monks. In ancient Japan Zen Gardens, were made to be able to meditate in motion. The monks placed several large stones in a garden of gravel. By raking regular patterns in the gravel, the mind became calm. The stones were like islands and the gravel like rivers floating around.

The film ‘Sand and Stones’ is part of the 1st International Ecoperformance Festival,  Sao Paulo, Brasil, 2021.

Sand and Stones | Performance: Renée Koldewijn, Bushra Arbawi | Camera: Luuk Holiday | Filmproduction: Renée Koldewijn | 2020