In Search of Wholeness
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Date
2023-05-29
Authors
Laratta, Clara
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Waterloo
Abstract
In Search of Wholeness is an exhibition of sculpture, alternative photography, and video. The work examines connections to healing and being. “The English ‘health’ derives from Old English ‘hælth’, which is related to ‘whole’ ‘a thing that is complete in itself’ (Oxford Languages). But what constitutes being whole? How does one know if they are whole or complete in themselves? And, if one is not whole or complete, how does one become, or ensure that they are? Is wholeness even possible if everything is in a state of flux: transient, ephemeral, and uncertain? Is completeness something to move towards? My research is a quest to answer these questions. It examines what I think I know, ways of healing and being, and familial connections. The artworks utilize food waste, found materials, construction matter, alternative photography techniques, and video, as material archives documenting aspects of healing. This cyclical story of healing draws on a lifelong journey with chronic illness. It moves between and merges, modalities, and connections to look at personal and collective healing. The works reference fragility and strength, dissonance and connection, loss, and hope – in essence life.