In the gardens of the Museo La Tertulia in Cali stands a great tree of the Samán species. Over the centuries it has resisted the weather, changing seasons and the fleeting lives of the humans that built the city on its roots. It experienced the construction of the museum, the developments in its surroundings, sensing the flow of life around it. Each of these transformations it commits to its memory – a silent observer, not judging, just sensing.
The Samán tree is a special tree – it changes its gender depending on its needs. Oftentimes, narratives about nature are used as an argument to label genders and sexualities that deviate from the heteronormative as “unnatural” – even though there are countless examples in the natural world that show us otherwise. The piece offers an introduction to the discourse on gender and gender identity in nature.
Since the Samán tree cannot physically be present in Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe’s local trees are offering their support. The soundwalk takes us on a journey through the memories of the Samán tree, transporting the listener from the stage of the Nymphengarten to the gardens of the Museo La Tertulia.
You will need your own smartphone for the soundwalk and the use of headphones is recommended.
Sound Design: Florian Wulff
Voices: Shirin Eissa, Jorid Lukaczik
Ancient Connections bases on the artwork My name is Samanea saman, which was created as part of the 2023 City to City exchange program between the two UNESCO Creative Cities of Media Art Karlsruhe and Cali (Colombia).
Supported by the Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Karlsruhe within the framework of UNESCO City of Media Arts.
Shown at Media art is here (2024).
Time: 15.08.2024 – 15.09.2024
Location: Nymphengarten Park