Collective Presence: Winter.
Immersive soundbath x Winter feast x independent film night
Tone. Smokey wood, dawn mist, ruby. Nesting, crafting, sleeping. Bonfires, stargazing, song.
Artists: Isolde Freeth Hale X Kiarash Darafshi X Duncan Parker
We are beyond thrilled to invite you to Winter, the second Collective Presence seasonal gathering. For our Winter edition we welcome Isolde Freeth-Hale, Kiarash Darafshi and Duncan Parker.
This is a sleepy feast celebration, following a journey of creative enquiry into the nature of being. As we bid goodbye to the inky darkness of Winter, curl up for an independent film night looking at the ritual of crafting, savour an Iranian feast and open to presence through a meltingly immersive soundbath.
In this CP we consider: What it is to restore through art? Reanimate our ability to be present through sound? And celebrate ancient ways of making? How, through the intimacy of documentary film, can we witness the intricate layers of a creative’s relationship with their work? Prioritise slow & tender over mass-made & robotic? Or experience ‘making’ as a meditation practice.
Issi takes your hand on a journey of part-interactive-workshop, part-spellbinding soundbath interwoven with poetry, chant and improvisation calling in the sun’s return. One to unwind and open up the body back into being. Coaxing together loop pedals, bowls, strings, chimes and live vocals that feel a blend of ethereal gospel meets Bjork, expect textured soundscapes that are an ode to wondrous nature. A chance to ‘do’ and also do nothing at all. Within this session will be accessible tools for wellbeing and vocal dynamics/techniques - people new to or curious about using their voices in this way are especially welcome!
We follow with a beautiful shared feast served up by Kiarash; much inspired by his cultural heritage - storytelling food he loves to share and educate with - think rich stews & sharing breads, dotted with flavours like saffron, dried lime, cardamom. Spiced cacao. This will be hearty & generous - in the spirit of Kiarash – to rouse the spirits and the body out of it’s Winter sleepiness.
The evening will wrap up with Duncan’s films - quiet & fascinating in a way that gives clear insight into the intimacy of a what it is to be a human making a thing dear to them. Taking a poetic journey into the ritual and tradition at the heart of creative process, from Ladakh in the Western tip of the Himalayas, to the coast of England. This is a peek into a wider context of declining traditions, and how we may preserve them. Stories and questions, with time for discussing (or just listening!) after too. Bit of a super upgrade to Netflix & chill?
Ethereal, soothing and contemplative.